Questionnaires

Definition

Questionnaires is a common technique consisting of producing a set of written questions for individuals to answer.

Discussion

A standard way of obtaining information from someone is to ask them questions. However, it is often impractical it physically ask a large number of people the same questions. It is often much more efficient to send them all a set of standardized questions that they can answer at their convenience by filling out and returning a questionnaire or survey.

Objectives

The typical objectives of questionnaires are to:

• Solicit relevant information (i.e., the answers to a standardized list of questions) from a large number of individuals.

Preconditions

Questionnaires can typically begin when the following preconditions hold:

• Questions exist that

Completion Criteria

Questionnaires is typically complete if the following postconditions hold:

• An adequate number of completed questionnaires have been returned, analyzed, and the results tabulated.

Steps

During Questionnaires, various rolls typically perform the following steps:

• The questionnaire producer(s):
  • Determine the specific questions to ask (e.g., content, wording, and possible answers if multiple choice).
  • Produce the questionnaire (either as a paper or an electronic document).
  • Review and iterate the questionnaire.
  • Determine the groups (i.e., types) of individuals to complete the questionnaire.
  • Identify the individuals in these groups to fill out the questionnaire.
  • Reproduce the questionnaire (if a physical paper questionnaire is to be used).
  • Send the questionnaire (including an explanitory cover letter with justification, due date, and return address) to the selected individuals.
• The individuals complete the questionnaires and return them.
• The questionnaire producer(s):
  • Evaluate the suitability of each returned questionnaire (e.g., for readability and completeness).
  • Tabulate the suitable questionnaires (e.g., absolute number of each answer for each question).
  • Produce a report summarizing the results of tabulating the questionnaires.
  • Distribute the report to those who need the results of the questionnaire.

Work Products

Questionnaires typically results in the following work products:

• Completed Questionnaires (or surveys)
• Report summarizing the analyzed and tabulated completed questionnaires.

Limitations

Questionnaires is typically subject to the following limitations:

• The producers must produce the questionnaire prior to its use, which limits the questions answers may raise.
• Questionnaires do not allow those who complete them to modify and extend their answers based on the answers and issues raised by others.
• Major improvements in the questionnaire require that the technique be repreated, preferably with a new group of individuals completing the forms.
• An insufficient number of people may not complete the questionnaire or may incorrectly complete it.
• The persons completing the questionnaire typically cannot as for clarification of questions.

Guidelines

• Because of the many limitations of using questionnaires, it is often preferable to use focus groups or working groups.
• Offer incentives to those who complete the questionnaires and return them on time.