Question sequencing: In order to make the questionnaire effective and to ensure quality to the replies received, a researcher must pay attention to the question-sequence in preparing the questionnaire.
- A proper question sequence reduces the chances of the questions being misunderstood
- The question sequence must be clear and smooth- moving, with questions that are easiest to answer being put in the beginning.
- The first few questions are particularly important because they are likely to influence the attitude of the respondent and in seeking his desired cooperation.
- Following the opening questions are the question that are rally vital to the research problem and a connecting thread should run through successive questions.
- Relatively difficult questions must be relegated towards the end so that even if the respondent decides not to answer such questions, considerable information would have been obtained.
- The order of the questions is also important. Some general rules are:
-Go from general to particular.
-Go from easy to difficult.
-Go from factual to abstract.
-Start with closed format questions.
-Start with questions relevant to the main subject.
-Do not start with demographic and personal questions.
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