Chapter 5: Data Presentation and Analysis
1. INTRODUCTION 1 Background
3.6 Questionnaires
Questionnaires are defined as the forms of securing answers to questions. Here respondents are required to fill in a questionnaire form themselves. There are two primary forms of questions, open and closed-ended type. Open questions are designed to enable the respondent to answer in full and reply in whatever form, with whatever content and to
59
extent the respondent wishes to respond. Open ended questions are somehow easy to ask but are difficult to answer. The answers depending on situation and question may never be complete and often very difficult to analyze. It is important that the answers to open questions be recorded in full (Fellows & Liu, 1997).
Close ended questions have a set number of responses. Such rigidity of available responses may constrain the responses artificially. Care must be taken that the responses to open- ended questions are not biased by the response alternative provided related and preceding closed ended questions. It is preferable though to place open ended question before close ended questions. It is possible to ask more closed than open-questions, as responses to closed questions are usually given more easily and quickly (Fellows & Liu, 1997).
The questionnaire however, does not consist simply of an assortment of questions. The questionnaire must be assembled in some practical manner once the questions themselves have been perfected. It is accepted that a shorter questionnaire is better because of the willingness of the respondents to complete it. The data that the questionnaire contains is of a higher quality when the researcher limits questionnaire to a reasonable size. Black (1976) suggested that the use of questionnaire method allows for information to be obtained from people living in any area in the country. Hence, the researcher will be able to combine the responses in order to test the hypothesis or answer the research question.
Questionnaires are less personal than interviews and if properly designed result in good quality data. Better standardization of wording can be obtained by using the printed instead of the spoken word. The use of questionnaires saves cost and time moreover the advantage of convenience to the respondent. The fact that questionnaires requires as little time and effort from the respondent, return postage and an addressed envelope should be provided to the respondent (Allison, 1996).
Unfortunately there are also disadvantages to using questionnaires. Replies to questions are normally very vague. Few people have the patience or motivation to write as fully as they could speak. The above is the reasons why questionnaires generate such allow response from the public (Allison, 1996).
According to Melville and Goddard (1996) a good questionnaire:
• Is comprehensive: gets all the data needed;
• Is short: is not time-consuming and cannot obstruct concentration;
• Asks relevant questions;
60
• Gives clear instructions;
• Has precise, unambiguous and understandable questions;
• Has objective questions: does not suggest answers;
• Starts with general questions;
• Has appropriate questions: if sensitive questions need to be asked, put these at the end;
• Uses mostly closed-ended questions.
3.6.1 Types of Questionnaires 3.6.1.1 Mailed Questionnaires
Mailed questionnaire is one which is sent off by mail in the hope that the respondent will complete and return it (De Vos, 1998). A response rate consideration of 50% as adequate, 60% as good and 70% as excellent. De Vos (1998) suggested that mailed questionnaires are in fact the survey technique used regularly.
3.6.1.2 Telephonic Questionnaires
This form is critical because it is unlikely to notice when respondent is giving the incorrect or biased response. When attempting this kind of questionnaire the researcher and the respondent are physically removed from each other, but are able to communicate with each other about the contents of the questionnaire. As this questionnaire is executed the communication is handicapped in that no non-verbal communication is possible (De Vos, 1998).
3.6.1.3 Personal Questionnaires
This form of questionnaire is handed over to the respondent who completes on his/her own, with researcher available for clarity. The researcher should allow the respondent to complete the personal questionnaire on his/her own and not contribute except for clarity where needed (De Vos, 1998)
3.6.1.4 Questionnaires delivered by hand.
This questionnaire is self-explanatory, whereby the questionnaire is delivered by hand to the respondents, which can be completed by the respondents in their own time or immediately in front of the researcher (De Vos, 1998). Furthermore De Vos (1998) added that, should the
61
respondent request for time a date for collection of this data is to be agreed upon by the researcher and the respondents. The time period between delivery and the collection of this questionnaire should preferably not be more than 48 hours (De Vos, 1998).
3.6.1.5 Group-administered questionnaires
De Vos (1998) suggested that in this form of questionnaire, respondents who are present in a group complete the questionnaire or questionnaires on their own. Preferably each respondent should receive the same stimulus and complete his/her own questionnaire without discussing with the other members of the group (De Vos, 1998).
3.6.2 Advantages and Disadvantages of a questionnaire
According to Kumar (1999) the advantages and disadvantages are:
3.6.2.1 Advantages of questionnaires
• It is less expensive
• It offers greater anonymity
3.6.2.2 Disadvantages of questionnaires
• Limited application
• A low response rate
• Self-selected bias
• Lack of opportunity to clarify issues
• Spontaneous responses are not allowed for mailed questionnaires
• The response to the questions may be influenced by the response to other questions.