Questionnaire Checklist

The following questionnaire checklist includes three sections:

1. the outline and format
2. the questions and
3. pre-test or pilot testing.

You may print this and place a checkmark if you think you have successfully accomplished each item on the checklist.

1. The Outline and Format

A. Introduction to the Questionnaire

• Title of the Study
• Purpose
• Duration of survey and length of questionnaire
• Guarantee of confidentiality
• Brief information about the company or organization
• Incentive Information (if any)

B. Demographic Data

• Respondent’s Name (This could be optional.)
• Age, Gender, etc.

C. Question Format

• The first question is a closed-ended question (answerable by Yes or No).
• Questions are arranged from general to specific.
• Sensitive questions are at the end of the questionnarie.
• Questions are grouped together according to the topic.
• The directions on how to answer are placed before the questions.
• The rating scale is written before the questions.
• The response options are placed vertically, except for tabulated questions.

See also: Survey Response Scales, Survey Response Formats.

D. End of Questionnaire

• A “Thank You” or any expression of gratitude to the respondent
• Information on knowing the survey results

2. The Questions

• The questions are concise and simple.
• All the questions do not contain any terminologies, acronyms or jargons that are unfamiliar to the respondents.
• The first 5 questions verify whether the respondent is eligible to continue the survey or not.
• All questions point to the survey goals.
• All possible response options or an “Other” option are included in each question.
• The respondent may or may not answer sensitive questions by placing a “Prefer not to answer” option.
• A midpoint response option such as “Average”, “Sometimes" or "Neutral" is included on the rating scale used.
• Most questions are closed-ended.
• Open-ended questions are voluntary.

See also: Constructing Survey Questions, Types of Survey Questions, Questionnaire Layout.

3. Pre-Test

• The survey questionnaire has been sent to friends, colleagues or experts to validate the wording and timing.
• The survey questionnaire has been answered by few survey respondents from the target population.
• Five (5) close-ended questions are answerable within one minute, while two (2) open-ended questions are answerable within one minute.
• The survey takes a maximum of 10 minutes to complete.
• Appropriate revisions of the questionnaire are done.

See also: Pilot Survey.