Surveys, questionnaires and interview

Surveys, questionnaires and interviews

You must consider the ethics of using people in your research

·         Why?

·         They might be vulnerable

·         They might not feel comfortable answering your questions

Therefore, we must follow certain codes of conduct.

1.       Confidentiality – protect the anonymity of your subjects in order to get good quality information and to prevent them from harm. Remember to treat people with sensitivity if asking questions.

2.       Allow your subjects to give their informed consent. Tell them the purpose of your research…

3.       Assess the risks of conducting this sort. Do not put yourself in danger. Bear in mind the reliability of the information you gather from surveys, questionnaires and interviews.

Surveys and questionnaires

·          A survey or a questionnaire is a set of questions which are phrased so that people can give the sort of information you are looking for. Everyone gets the same questions, so that you can compare the answers.

How to start thinking about a survey

·         What information do you need?

·         What do you need information from?

·         Who do you need information from?

·         Does it address the key questions of your project?

·         What sort of answers are you looking for?

·         What questions would get you these answers?

Try a small pilot study on people who have no knowledge of your project (experts may give you the correct answer with the wrong question).

Don’t make it to long the first questions usually provide information about the participant. Include a mixture of open and closed questions and quantitative and qualitative data.

Survey monkey – easy to use format

Allows you to export data to excel which makes it easier to analyse.

Interviews

·         Write a letter to invite your subject to take part. Explain the purpose of your research, how their personal data will be used and protected. If you are writing on someone’s recommendation, say so. Suggest how they can get back in touch with you to arrange a meeting or, if necessary, a telephone interview.

·         Draw up a list of questions to guide your interview or discussion – these can be structured, free or semi structured.

·         Introduce yourself. If you make brief notes or record it then make sure to ask permission from your subject before making a recording.

·         Let the participant know the outcome of your project.