Gq-logo2.gif (1077 bytes)


Title_da.gif (5003 bytes)

 
overview.GIF (371 bytes)
How to use this manual
What is formative research?
What do you want to know?
   
before.GIF (511 bytes)
2a-handle.gif (559 bytes)
2b-ensuring.gif (485 bytes)
2c-getting.gif (344 bytes)
 
datacoll.GIF (610 bytes)
3a-archival.gif (345 bytes)
3b-field.gif (528 bytes)
3c-focus.gif (344 bytes)
3d-depth.gif (417 bytes)
triangle.gif (460 bytes) 3d-surveys.gif (272 bytes)
3f-innov.gif (375 bytes)
 
resources.GIF (370 bytes)
Search
pdf.GIF (352 bytes)
publish.GIF (408 bytes)

point-srv.gif (1671 bytes)
< backnext.gif (239 bytes)

Surveys provide information in a systematic and quantitative manner, which facilitates statistical analysis. Surveys may be targeted toward specific population groups defined in various ways. For example, surveys may target particular neighborhoods or communities to facilitate outreach efforts and plans for new programs and services by identifying persons with unmet needs. Surveys provide information that is current, and, in certain situations, data may be collected and analyzed during a short time period (two to four weeks). In addition, one major advantage of surveys is that they can collect otherwise unavailable data directly from potential users of the types of services and programs with which the agency is concerned. For example, the only way to obtain data about a person’s attitudes, opinions, future plans, expectations, and behaviors that are not directly observable is to ask the person about these issues.

•    The key to successfully designing and conducting surveys is to begin with small-scale, well-focused surveys.

•    Obtain professional consultation whenever necessary. This is especially important when attempting a new survey method or when performing an aspect of survey work with which you have not had previous experience.

•    Smaller is better. If your agency does not have access to a statistician, keep your questionnaire simple and short.

Questionnaire hints
Survey questionnaires are standardized in the sense that they present a uniform stimulus to each respondent. The wording and ordering of all questions are determined in advance and all questions are asked of all respondents in exactly the same way. Except for questions that are contingent on the respondent’s answer to a previous question, the questions are asked of each respondent in exactly the same order. These characteristics of survey questionnaires provide for the collection of data that are comparable across all subjects.

Question wording
The goal of writing questions is to use words that everyone understands and that impart only the meaning that the researcher intends. One guide is to consider the educational level of the least educated respondent that will be part of the survey and write questions using language that will be understood by that person. Questions should be polite and written in a conversational tone.

Question order
The placement of questions is an important aspect of questionnaire design. Consideration should be given to making the questionnaire interesting and convenient to use with a logical flow of topics. The opening questions should capture the respondent’s interest and motivate him or her to continue to answer the remaining questions. It’s a good idea to start with questions that are important and have relevance to the topics of the survey, and that are easy for the respondent to answer. Sensitive and threatening questions are generally asked later on in the questionnaire. The last questions asked are demographic questions.

Closed vs. open questions
Although survey questions are commonly referred to as being “closed” or “open,” it is actually the response to a question that is treated in either a closed or open manner. Open questions provide respondents more freedom of expression and allow the researcher to obtain unanticipated responses. Closed questions provide a convenience to both the respondent and the researcher. They are generally quick and easy to answer, there is less margin for error in recording and processing responses, and they are less costly to process than open questions.

Closed question: In the past 6 months, how often did you use drugs like marijuana, cocaine, crack or heroin before having vaginal or anal intercourse with (SEX PARTNER #1)? Would you say. . .(READ)    

Never,     1    
Sometimes,    2    
About half the time,     3    
Almost all the time, or    4    
Every time?    5

Open question: What did you do when you realized that (SEX PARTNER #1) did not want to use a condom? (INTERVIEWER, PROBE OFTEN: “What else did you do?”)
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

< backnext.gif (239 bytes)

 

Good Questions, Better Answers --  � 1998 California Department of Health Services and
Northern California Grantmakers AIDS Task Force  -- http://www.goodquestions.com