Closed Questions

Closed questions structure the answer by allowing only answers which fit into categories that have been
decided in advanced by the researcher. Data that can be placed into a category is called nominal data.
The options can be restricted to as few as two (e.g. 'yes' or 'no', 'male' or 'female'), or include quite
complex lists of alternatives from which the respondent can choose.
The respondent provides information which can be easily converted into quantitative data (e.g. count the
number of 'yes' or 'no' answers).
Closed questions can also provide ordinal data (which can be ranked). This often involves using a rating
scale to measure the strength of an attitudes or emotions.
For example, strongly agree/agree/neutral/disagree/strongly disagree/unable to answer.
Advantages
 They can economical. This means they can provide large amounts of research data for relatively low
costs.
 The data can be quickly obtained as closed questions are easy to answer (usually just ticking a box).
 The questions are standardized.

Disadvantages
 They lack of detail.
Open Questions
Open questions allow people to express what they think in their own words.
Open-ended questions enable the respondent to answer in as much detail as they likes in their own words.
Open questions are often used for complex questions that cannot be answered in a few simple categories
but require more detail and discussion.

Advantages
 Rich qualitative data is obtained as open questions allow the respondent to elaborate on their answer.
This means the research can find out why a person holds a certain attitude.
Disadvantages
o Time consuming to collect the data. It takes longer for the respondent to complete open questions. This is
a problem as a smaller sample size may be obtained.
o Time consuming to analyze the data. Not suitable for less educated respondents as open questions require
superior writing skills and a better ability to express one's feelings verbally.
Self-completion questioners
 It is also called a self-administered questionnaire
 No interviewer present
 Respondent writes answers on form
 Usually postal questionnaires
 Can be distributed in person or by email
 self-completion questionnaires tend to be shorter and easier to follow
 It include less open-ended questions.
Advantages
 Cheaper and quicker to administer (to widely dispersed populations)
 Absence of interviewer effects and variation
 Convenient for respondents

Disadvantages
 Cannot review or quick
 Can only ask main questions
 Few open-ended or complex questions
 Respondent can see the whole questionnaire before answering.
Sampling
Sampling is the process of using a smaller number of items /parts of a larger population to make
conclusion about the entire population.
Importance of sampling
Pragmatic Reasons (practical)
Research are carried out to solve problems in business entities and due to availability of limited
(budget /time constraints)
Provide Accurate and Reliable Results
Samples can provide sufficiently accurate findings and truly reflect the population if they are
selected properly.
Avoid Destruction of Test Units
Using samples for testing instead of testing all population would be avoid destruction of test
units
SAMPLING DESIGN AND CONCEPTS
There three main stages in sampling design and it should minimize the error that
may occur due to the sampling process
1: Should the study gather information from a sample or a survey?
2: What type of sampling approach?
3: How about the appropriate size of the sample?
Stages in the sample source
1. Define the target population
2. Select a sampling frame
3. Determine if probability or non-probability sampling
4. Plan procedure for selecting sample
5. Determine sample size
6. Select actual sample unit
7. Conduct field work

Defining the Target Population (TP)

TP: the complete group of objects or elements relevant to the research project.
Sampling unit: element /object available for selection during sampling process.
Choosing the Sampling Frame: Comprehensive list of elements of sample:
 The telephone listing of restaurants or individual
 University’s registration list of all employees or customers
TYPES OF SAMPLING

1- Probability Sampling
In probability sampling every element in the population has a known nonzero probability of
selection. The simple random is the best known probability sample, in which each member of
the population has an equal probability of being selected. Probability sampling designs are
used when the representativeness of the sample is of importance in the interest of wider
generalizability. When time or other factors, rather than generalizability, become critical, non-
probability sampling is generally used.

Probability of selection= Sample size/ population size

Population: 20,000 if sample size: 400, the probability of selection is 2% (400/20,000)

Alternative probability sampling approaches:

Systematic sampling: It is a method in which sample members from a larger population are
selected according to a random starting point and a fixed, periodic interval.

Stratified sampling: Divide the population to each stratum and get sample from that for increasing
s sample’s statistical efficiency.

Cluster sampling: Cluster sampling refers to a type of sampling method. With cluster sampling, the
researcher divides the population into separate groups, called clusters. Then, a simple random
sample of clusters is selected from the population. The researcher conducts his analysis on data
from the sampled clusters.
2- Non-Probability Sampling

Non-probability sampling is a sampling technique where the samples are gathered in a process
that does not give all the individuals in the population equal chances of being selected.

Alternative non-probability sampling techniques

convenient sampling: Collecting sample who are most conveniently available for the survey.
(Economical/quickest way to obtain a large of responses)

Judgment Sampling: Selecting sample members to adapt to some criterion-Who have

experiences to the problem
Quota Sampling: With proportional quota sampling, the aim is to end up with a sample where the
strata (groups) being studied (e.g., males vs. females students) are proportional to the population
being studied. If we were to examine the differences in male and female students, for example, the
number of students from each group that we would include in the sample would be based on the
proportion of male and female students amongst the 10,000 university students.
To ensure the various sub-groups or categories in a population are represented in pertinent sample
characteristics to the exact extent the investigators desire

Snowball Sampling (SS):

SS is using in the case researcher has got difficulty to identify the best sample.
Initial respondents are selected by probability samples; additional respondents are obtained by
referral from initial respondents
Determination of Sample size
Factors are considered:

 Variability of elements in the target population

 Type of sample required
 Time available
 Budget
 The level of research estimation precision
 whether the findings are to be generalized
Statistical Formula
n = ( zs/E) 2
n= sample size
z= degree of confidence (the number of standard errors for the degree of confidence specified for the
research
s= Variability (Standard deviation of the population)
E= Desired precision (The acceptable difference between the sample estimate and the population value)
Exp: Studying expenditures in lipstick, Confident level: 95% (z) , a range of error (E) less than $2.
00The estimate of the standard deviation is $ 29.00
n= (zs/E)2 = [((1.96)(29.00))/2.00]2
= (56.82/2.00)2 =(28.42)2 =808
Discuss question in group
How do we measure quantitative data trough close ended questions?
What is sampling? Why we do sampling?
What are alternative probability sampling approaches?
What are the stages in sampling sources?
Thank You 