What is a questionnaire? Explain the types of questions and the steps in constructing a good questionnaire.

1. 1 · Open with a definition. A questionnaire is a set of questions in a fixed order, printed or online, which respondents answer themselves.
2. 2 · Explain the types of questions.
   • Open-ended.
   • Closed: dichotomous, multiple choice, rating (Likert), ranking.
   • Contingency (filter) questions.
3. 3 · Draw the construction steps. [Flow chart: objectives → information needed → question types → wording → sequence → layout → pre-test → revise]
4. 4 · Give the wording rules.
   • Simple words.
   • One idea per question.
   • No leading questions.
   • No vague words.
   • Sensitive questions last.
5. 5 · Explain pre-testing. Try the draft on a small similar group; correct unclear, missing or sensitive questions; check time and coding.
6. 6 · Merits and demerits. Cheap, wide reach, no interviewer bias; but only for literate people, low return, and no help with doubts.
7. 7 · Nutrition example. A food frequency questionnaire for college girls, pre-tested to include ragi, keerai and sundal.
8. 8 · Close in one line. A clear, well-ordered and pre-tested questionnaire gives reliable data cheaply.

Scoring tip: Write one example question under each question type. Examples make the answer look expert.