explain what is questionnaire as defined in a research method university course?

A questionnaire, as defined in a research method university course, is a data collection tool used to gather information about individuals. It is a series of questions designed to collect specific information from respondents for analysis.

Here are the steps to explain what a questionnaire is:

1. Definition: A questionnaire is a research instrument consisting of a series of questions and other prompts for the purpose of gathering information from respondents. It is a method used in data collection.

2. Purpose: The main purpose of a questionnaire is to gather first-hand data from a large number of respondents in a systematic manner. It allows researchers to collect data from a large group of people more efficiently than if they were to use other data collection methods.

3. Design: The design of a questionnaire is crucial to the reliability and validity of the results. It should be clear, concise, and easy to understand. The questions should be relevant to the research topic and should be structured in a way that allows for easy analysis of the data.

4. Types: There are different types of questionnaires, including structured, unstructured, and semi-structured questionnaires. Structured questionnaires have pre-determined questions with fixed response options. Unstructured questionnaires allow respondents to answer in their own words, while semi-structured questionnaires combine elements of both.

5. Administration: Questionnaires can be administered in various ways, including face-to-face, over the phone, through mail, or online. The method of administration depends on the target population and the nature of the research.

6. Analysis: Once the data is collected, it is analyzed to draw conclusions. The data can be analyzed quantitatively or qualitatively, depending on the nature of the research and the type of data collected.

7. Limitations: While questionnaires are a popular data collection method, they also have limitations. These include the risk of low response rates, the possibility of biased responses, and the inability to probe deeper into respondents' answers.

In conclusion, a questionnaire is a valuable tool in research methodology, allowing for the collection of data from a large number of respondents in a systematic and efficient manner. However, careful design and administration are crucial to ensure the reliability and validity of the results.