Questionnaires

Question 1

Questionnaires - basic considerations (10)

Answer 1

1. Collect info in standard format (e.g. standardized questions with means of coding).
2. Self-completed vs interviews
3. Open ended vs closed questions
4. Wording - avoid ambiguity, doublt negatives
5. Sequence and structure of questions
6. Pilot test
7. Confidentiality
8. Response rates - total and partial answers
9. Reliability (reproducible with same respondent)
10. Validity (reflect truth, e.g. can independently verify against existing records, biomarkers etc)

Question 2

Self completed and mailed questionnaires - advantages (4) and disadvantages (4)

Answer 2

Advantages

1. Quick and easy
2. Cheap with wide coverage
3. Don’t need study personnel to administer
4. Avoids interviewer bias

Disadvantages

1. Low response rates
2. Requires sample frame if mailed
3. Reviewing of questions (earlier questions may be revised based on later questions)
4. Requires high level of clarity of question

Question 3

Interviews - advantages (3) and disadvantages (2)

Answer 3

E.g. in person or telephone

Advantages

1. More control over questions (e.g. respondent can’t review earlier questions)
2. Higher response rate
3. Useful for low-literacy populations

Disadvantages

1. Potential for interviewer bias
2. More logistically difficult and costly (required personnel)