Basic Question Formats

Various Question Formats

Basic Question Formats

Open-ended Questions

Closed-ended Questions

Scaled Questions

Basic Open-ended Questions Probing Questions

Dichotomous Questions

Labeled Questions

Multiple-Choice Responses

Unlabeled Questions

Clarifying Questions

Single-coded Multiple-coded

Pros and Cons of Telephone as a Data Collection Method

Relatively fast Relatively strong response rates, but getting worse Sequence of questions can be easily changed Data entry at time of completion is possible Ability of supervisor to oversee interviewers

Does not handle long interviews well Cannot use visuals Difficult to contact business respondents Unlisted numbers make sample frame questionable

Personal Interviews as a Data Collection Method (in-home and mall intercept)

Probably highest response rate Allows any type of questions/questionnaires Easy to ensure representative sample Know who is completing questionnaire Mall intercept can be relatively quick

Generally narrow distribution Typically most expensive method Often tough to gain identity of respondent Can be time consuming in the case of in-home Tough to supervise

Definitions of Research
C.C. Crawford
A systematic and refined technique of thinking, employing specialized tools, instruments and procedures in order to obtain a more adequate solution of a problem than would be possible under ordinary means. It starts with a problem, collects data or facts, analyses them critically and reaches decisions based on the actual evidence.

All progress is born of inquiry. Doubt is often better than overconfidence, for it leads to inquiry, and inquiry leads to invention. Hudsons Maxim

Survey
Telephone Mail In person Email
Every method of survey has its merits and demerits. For example, in personal survey, the body language and facial reactions of the respondent can be observed. Telephonic surveys are of low cost. But, facial expressions cannot be observed. Similarly, in email survey, people not using computer will be left out.