Structure 1 Online questionnaire question types An overview

Structure 1. Online questionnaire question types: An overview 2. Activity: Exploring question types 3. Review: Lessons for successful online questionnaire design

Question types Main types of web form controls: Choosing predetermined options. . . Radio buttons Checkboxes Select boxes

Question types 2 Main types of web form controls: Open response questions: Text boxes Text areas

Question types 3 Can be grouped or used creatively to create different question types or to copy common types from paper-based questionnaires. E. g. Question grids:

Question types 4 Programming (validation routines) can be added to ensure questions are answered in particular ways. E. g. Continuing is only possible if a response is given Responses must be of a particular types (e. g. Numbers in a certain range)

Activity: Question types http: //wads. le. ac. uk//gg/orm/timingform. htm • Complete each question (with a genuine response) and press the stop buttons to record the time taken. • Press ‘Finish’ then ‘Compare times’ to see the time taken by others who have completed the activity • What were the main issues affecting completion times?

Review : Lessons for successful online questionnaire design Discuss your findings and report back. . .

Review : Lessons for successful online questionnaire design – some suggestions • Evaluation and testing is vital • Make questions as simple as possible (bearing in mind target audience and research needs) • Use open response questions with care – participants can quit with a single (double) click! • Use validation with care and only when absolutely necessary to avoid drop out. • If validation is used, make sure that instructions are clear