INTRODUCTION
Questionnaires are common tools used by
companies who intend to gather information on customers’ needs, preferences,
their evaluation of the products or services, company’s image, etc. It always
consists of a series of questions on a topic or several topics designed to be
answered by a number of people. The topic or topics should be closely related
to the aim of the questionnaires. Since it takes people time and energy to fill
the questionnaire, the questions on it should be brief, clear and easy to
answer.
A questionnaire
usually consists of three parts:
1. A well-written
introduction in which there are some instructions on how to complete the
questionnaire and information on how to return it.
2. A series of
questions related to the topic or topics. Make sure the questions are easy to
answer. You may also include optional questions such as age, gender and profession of the person who fills it.
3. A remark of
appreciation to people who have taken time and effort to fill the questionnaire.
The following
are some useful tips on the wording of questions in questionnaires:
Make sure the
reader understand your meaning. Don’t use jargons, difficult terms or technical
words.
Be concise and
clear.
Avoid asking
double questions, i.e. two questions in the same sentence.
Avoid asking
negative questions, for example, “Are you against the prohibition of smoking?”
When using
multiple choice questions, pay attention that your answers include all the
possible alternatives.

