UNIVERSITY OF WALES INSTITUTE, Cardiff

INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, Dobrich

Workshop 4

Questionnaire

Prepared by: Dimitar Dimitrov, ST 10004849

1. What type of data needs to be collected?

The object of the questionnaire would be to check the level of awareness of people about
biofuels and to collect information about whether people are willing to make any investment
toward starting to use biofuels. For this purpose a variety of questions need to be designed –
open and close questions, scale questions and, of course, quantitative information about the
respondents.

2. Choice of questionnaire technique

Choosing one questionnaire over another is hard, because every technique has its pros and
cons. In this particular case a combination of several techniques would be the best choice.

While e-mail and internet surveys are most cost effective and fastest way of distributing a
questionnaire, the demographic profile of a user does not always represent general
population.

Postal surveys are also a cost effective technique, although more expensive than surveys
done via internet. They are perfect for large sample sizes. However, completion time is
pretty large (four to eight weeks) and the response rate, although variable, hover around
thirty percent.

Telephone conducted questionnaires are a fast way of gathering information from a

relatively large sample size (100-400 respondents). The interviewer follows a script that is
basically like a written questionnaire. Unlike internet-based and postal surveys, the
telephone interview gives the opportunity of opinion probing. Completion time of a single
interview should be around ten minutes and must not exceed fifteen minutes. Response rate
is relatively high – fifty to seventy percent.

Structured interviews are the most costly technique. They, however, allow for more
comprehensive and detailed information to be gathered. The response rate is also very high
and, like telephone interviews, they give the opportunity of opinion probing.

3. Designing the questionnaire

A good questionnaire design requires well-defined goals that directly address the aim of the
study. The questionnaire itself should be kept short, as longer questionnaires tend to have a
lower response rate, which can be a hindrance to the study. A written questionnaire must not
exceed eight A4 pages. It is also important to use only questions, which answer will provide
important information. If the answer will not be involved in the process of decision making, it is
advised not to be used, again in order to keep the questionnaire short, thus ensuring a higher
response rate.
One should also make sure that the questionnaire’s physical design (for written questionnaires)
is attractive to the respondent. A well-written cover letter also increases the response rate as it
gives opportunity to persuade the respondent of the importance of his/her opinion.
Usage of simple and direct language is also important – it lowers the chance of
misunderstanding the questions.

4. Administering the questionnaire

It is always advised to note a respondent prior to sending him/her the questionnaire – this
increases the perceived importance, raising the response rate. Second step would be to
introduce the cover letter and the survey. Third step is the follow-ups – one week after, to thank
the early respondents and remind non-respondents, second follow-up – to people who did not
respond. A third follow-up is used only in case the response rate is low. Of course, prior to
conducting the survey, the researcher needs to ensure that everything is up and running – if an
online survey – that the site is working and the links direct to the researchers’ e-mails; if a
written questionnaire – that it and the cover letter are printed correctly.