In practical life, schedule or questionnaire have same meaning. But in theoretical aspect, difference is made between a schedule or questionnaire. If an investigator himself fills the form by asking face to face questions to informants, it will be called a schedule, but on the other hand, if the same work is done by sending the form to the informant and informant himself fills the form and sends it back, the form is called questionnaire.
What are points to be kept in mind while drafting a questionnaire?
The following points should be kept in mind while drafting a questionnaire:
- The questionnaire should not be too lengthy.
- A decent paper and printing is to be chosen.
- The questions asked should be well worded and should not be ambiguous.
- The questions asked should be in proper sequence.
- Irrelevant questions to the study should be avoided.
- Questions should be free from personal bias. These should not injure the feelings of the respondents.
- Questions should be such that the respondent has to do the minimum of writing work.
- Necessary instructions and definitions should be given.
- Questions involving the mathematical calculations should be avoided.
- There should be guarantee to keep the answers secret and to use them only for the purpose of said investigation.