Page 137 - DMGT209_QUANTITATIVE_TECHNIQUES_II

Quantitative Techniques-II

Notes Pre-testing of Questionnaire

Pre-testing of a questionnaire is done to detect any flaws that might be present.

Example: The word used by researcher must convey the same meaning to the respondents.
Are instructions clear skip questions clear?
One of the prime conditions for pre-testing is that the sample chosen for pre-testing should be
similar to the respondents who are ultimately going to participate. Just because a few chosen
respondents fill in all the questions going does not mean that the questionnaire is sound.

How many Questions to be Asked?

The questionnaire should not be too long as the response will be poor. There is no rule to decide
this. However, the researcher should consider that if he were the respondent, how he would
react to a lengthy questionnaire. One way of deciding the length of the questionnaire is to
calculate the time taken to complete the questionnaire. He can give the questionnaire to a few
known people to seek their opinion.

Task Give one example for each of the following type of the questions:
1. Leading question

2. Double-barreled question
3. Close-ended question
4. Fixed alternative question
5. Split-ballot question

7.3.5 Mail Questionnaire

Mail questionnaires can be explained as the questionnaires that are mailed to the respondents
who can complete them at their convenience in their homes and at their own pace. They are
expected to meet with a better response rate when respondents are notified in advance about the
forthcoming survey and a reputed research organization administers them with its own
introductory cover letter.

Advantages of Mail Questionnaire
1. Easier to reach a larger number of respondents throughout the country.

2. Since the interviewer is not present face to face, the influence of interviewer on the
respondent is eliminated.
3. Where the questions asked are such that they cannot be answered immediately, and needs
some thinking on the part of the respondent, the respondent can think over leisurely and
give the answer.
4. Saves cost (cheaper than interview).
5. No need to train interviewers.
6. Personal and sensitive questions are well answered.

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