A questionnaire is a research tool that consists of a series of questions, each with a set of possible

responses, written or typed in a precise order on a form intended to collect specific information
from respondents. A typical research questionnaire has a combination of closed-ended and open-
ended questions. Long-form, open-ended inquiries allow the reply to expound on their opinions. The
information gathered from a data gathering questionnaire might be qualitative or quantitative. A
questionnaire might be provided in the form of a survey or not, but a survey always includes a
questionnaire. In general, questionnaires are sent to the individuals concerned through post or mail,
with instructions to complete the form and return it. Informants are expected to read the questions,
comprehend them, and respond in the area provided on the questionnaire. The questionnaire is
prepared in such a way that it translates the required information into a series of questions, that
informants can and will answer.

 Social research: investigating the experiences and characteristics of different social groups
 Market research: finding out what customers think about products, services, and companies
 Health research: collecting data from patients about symptoms and treatments
 Politics: measuring public opinion about parties and policies
 Psychology: researching personality traits, preferences and behaviours

When used correctly, the questionnaire has a lot of potential. It is a cost-effective method of
gathering important data from overseas marketers. It will be a better tool than an interview or
observation when the respondents are dispersed across the country. It even allows for international
coverage. It enables contact with a large number of people who would otherwise be impossible to
reach. It allows for group management and is customizable to any goal. It has the ability to cover a
huge group at once. It's simple to plan, build, and manage. After it has been skilfully developed, the
individual conducting the investigation may ask anyone to administer it on his behalf. When used to
acquire factual statements, it is generally viewed as reliable. If respondents' responses are treated as
confidential, personal information can typically be gathered more easily using questionnaires. It
relieves the subject of the need to respond quickly. He can respond at his leisure, but interviews and
observations need precise time and situation fixation. It aids in the respondent's attention being
drawn to all of the important items. Because it is presented in writing, the responders' responses are
recorded, ensuring consistency. It can be utilised as a starting point for a more in-depth investigation
later using another approach. The subjects' replies are provided in their original languages and
versions.

On the other hand, it has a number of drawbacks, including a poor level of reliability and validity.
When primary evidence is available, it supplies secondary information. Questionnaires may
sometimes devolve into a hive of illiteracy. It is a collection of many people's opinions, some of
whom may or may not be right. It produces a sample that is skewed. Non-response is always a
source of consternation. The questionnaire respondents may or may not be representative of the
full group. Some of the group's most influential members may decide to remain completely silent.
Nothing can be done if the person misunderstands a question or responds incorrectly. When looking
for information on complicated emotional topics, a questionnaire isn't particularly useful. Some
responders may be hesitant to express themselves in writing about contentious matters. Only via
interviews can such viewpoints be gleaned. The responders' behaviours, gestures, reactions,
statements, and emotions go unobserved. Some participants may be hesitant to volunteer
information until they have a clear understanding of the study's goal and motivation. The individual
conducting the study does not have the chance to build rapport with the study groups via a
questionnaire. If the study topic is sensitive or secret, creating a questionnaire for it is a difficult
process. When the respondent recognises that he is contradicting himself while answering some
later questions, he might change his responses to previous ones. The questionnaire cannot be
utilised with illiterate respondents and youngsters
The researcher must guarantee that the respondent's personal information, such as name and
address, is kept private. As a result, questionnaires are useful for examining difficult issues since
respondents are more honest when they are anonymous. Confidentiality of the questionnaire should
also decrease the risk of psychological injury, such as shame. Prior to completing the questionnaire,
participants must offer informed permission and be aware that they have the right to withdraw their
information at any moment throughout the survey/study.