Describe briefly the questionnaire method of collecting primary data. State the essentials of a good questionnaire.

 A brief description with essentials of a good questionnaire, within a few hundred words, would look like this:

The questionnaire method is a primary data collection technique in which respondents are asked a series of structured questions in written or digital form. It’s widely used in surveys, market research, and social sciences to gather quantitative or qualitative data from a target group. A well-designed questionnaire allows researchers to collect standardized data efficiently, making it easier to analyze trends, preferences, and attitudes within a particular group. Questionnaires can be administered in various forms—online, in-person, via mail, or even over the phone—each offering different advantages based on research needs and respondent accessibility.

Creating a good questionnaire requires careful planning and adherence to essential qualities to ensure data accuracy and respondent engagement. First, clarity is key: questions must be clear and straightforward to prevent misunderstandings. They should avoid technical jargon and be crafted in simple language accessible to all respondents. Each question should be relevant to the research objectives; irrelevant questions can lead to disinterest and increase the likelihood of dropouts. Conciseness is also crucial; questions should be short and direct to maintain the respondent’s attention and reduce survey fatigue.

Another essential is a logical flow, meaning questions should be organized in a sequence that feels natural. Often, demographic questions appear at the beginning, followed by general questions that progressively focus on more specific aspects of the topic. Balanced and unbiased questions are fundamental; they should avoid leading the respondent toward any particular answer, and all answer choices should cover a wide range of potential responses. Additionally, the questionnaire should offer a variety of question types, such as multiple-choice, Likert scales, and open-ended questions, to gather both quantitative data (e.g., through ratings or rankings) and qualitative insights (through comments or opinions).

Lastly, a good questionnaire is thoroughly pretested or piloted. Piloting with a small sample helps identify confusing wording, technical issues, or redundant questions, enabling researchers to refine the questionnaire before full distribution. By ensuring these essentials, researchers can create a questionnaire that not only captures accurate and valuable data but also respects the time and experience of the respondent.

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