Evaluating your questionnaire

Check off  each of the following once you have addressed it in full. Cross out or delete any that do not apply. Address any aspects that require more work.

Will my questionnaire …
… encourage participation?
■	It looks professional.
■	It looks non-
threatening.
■	It appears to be
worthwhile.
■	It looks easy to
complete.
■	It is easy to navigate.
■	It doesn’t look too
long.
■	It is set out clearly.

… be quick to complete?
■	The total number of questions is not off-putting for the intended recipients.
■	Every question is
necessary.
■	Each can be answered
quickly.
■	The time required
for completing the questionnaire is spelt out clearly.
■	The timescale
indicated is accurate.

… yield the kind of material I need?
■	I am clear what kind of sample I need.
■	I will be able to find
such a sample.
■	I use closed
questions to elicit precise answers when needed.
■	I use open questions
to gain qualitative data, if needed.
■	I provide sufficient
options to enable people to make accurate responses.
■	I provide follow-up
questions needed in order to clarify responses.
■	I have avoided
leading questions.
■	I have set up the
questionnaire in such a way
that participants are reminded or encouraged to respond to any questions they have missed.
■	I can cross-reference
responses if needed.

… be clear to participants?
■	The purpose is explained briefly.
■	Instructions are succinct.
■	Instructions are clear.
■	Good examples are provided.
■	Practice examples are provided.
■	Rating scales are used
consistently.
■	Participants can return to previous responses and change
these if they wish.
■	It is clear how to submit the
survey, if online.

… be easy to answer?
■	Questions are reasonably short.
■	Questions are carefully worded
to avoid ambiguity.
■	Each item consists of only one question.
■	For closed questions, a range of
options is provided as responses to choose from.
… be manageable for me to use?
■	It will be easy for me to record participants’ responses in the field (if relevant).
■	It will be easy for me to collate
responses.
■	It will be easy to present the
results.
■	I have addressed all the issues
that arose during the pilots.