Asking Questions - The Definitive Guide To Questionnaire Design ...

306 ASKING QUESTIONS
complete the survey with only a minimum of instruction, or none
at all.
Paper Questionnaires
Simple paper questionnaires are likely to be relatively free of clerical
errors, even when the data are input manually. Data entry problems
occur, however, if a questionnaire involves complicated skipping or
if it requires information from earlier questions to be incorporated
into later questions. Then, careful formatting of the questionnaire
can help reduce, but not totally eliminate, clerical errors.
Using Booklet Format
We recommend using paper questionnaires in a booklet format
(folded and saddle stapled) for four reasons. First, booklets prevent
pages from being lost or misplaced. When questionnaires are fastened
with only a single corner staple, rear pages may get torn off
during the interview or when being coded. Second, a booklet
makes it easier for the interviewer or respondent to turn the pages.
Third, a booklet makes it possible to use a double-page format for
questions about multiple events or persons. Finally, for a selfadministered
questionnaire a booklet looks more professional and
is easier to follow.
To conserve paper, to make the questionnaire look smaller, and
to reduce mailing costs, the questionnaire should be printed on
both sides of the pages. If the questionnaire is not in booklet form,
it is easier for interviewers and respondents to forget the backs of
pages and miss them entirely.
Appearance of Self-Administered Questionnaires
Although clarity is important in all questionnaires, the appearance
of the questionnaire can have an important effect on cooperation
on mail and other self-administered paper questionnaires. The general
rule is that the questionnaire should look as easy as possible to