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Research Questionnaire

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• Research Title: State the title of the research project.

Introduction

• Purpose: Explain the purpose of the questionnaire.
• Confidentiality: Assure respondents of confidentiality.
• Instructions: Provide clear instructions on how to complete the questionnaire.

Demographic Information

• Occupation:
• Education Level:

Section 1: Topic-Specific Questions

• Question 1: [Likert Scale / Multiple Choice / Open-Ended]
• Question 2: [Likert Scale / Multiple Choice / Open-Ended]
• Question 3: [Likert Scale / Multiple Choice / Open-Ended]

Section 2: Attitudes and Opinions

• Question 4: [Likert Scale / Multiple Choice / Open-Ended]
• Question 5: [Likert Scale / Multiple Choice / Open-Ended]
• Thank You Note: Thank respondents for their time and participation.
• Contact Information: Provide contact details for follow-up questions.

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Wrapping Up

Types of questionnaires:.

• Structured Questionnaires : These include predefined questions with fixed response options, useful for quantitative research.
• Unstructured Questionnaires : These have open-ended questions allowing respondents to answer in their own words, ideal for qualitative research.
• Semi-Structured Questionnaires : Combine elements of both structured and unstructured questionnaires, providing a balance of fixed responses and open-ended questions.
• Computer-Assisted Questionnaires : Administered through digital means, they can include multimedia elements and adaptive questioning.

Key Questions:

• Demographic Questions : Gather basic information about respondents (e.g., age, gender, occupation).
• Behavioral Questions : Understand respondent actions and habits (e.g., purchasing behavior).
• Attitudinal Questions : Gauge opinions, attitudes, and perceptions.
• Knowledge-Based Questions : Assess the respondent’s knowledge on a specific topic.
• Preference Questions : Determine respondent preferences and choices. You should also take a look at our  Research Project Report

Main Parts:

• Introduction : Explains the purpose of the questionnaire and assures confidentiality.
• Instructions : Provides clear directions on how to complete the questionnaire.
• Question Body : Contains the main questions grouped by topic or theme.
• Conclusion : Includes closing statements and thank-you notes for participants. You should also take a look at our  Scientific Research Report

Types of Qualitative Questionnaires:

• Open-Ended Questionnaires : Allow respondents to express their thoughts freely.
• In-Depth Interviews : Structured like a questionnaire but conducted face-to-face.
• Narrative Questionnaires : Encourage respondents to tell their stories in detail.
• Focus Group Questionnaires : Used to guide group discussions around specific topics.
• Case Study Questionnaires : Collect detailed information about a single case or event. You should also take a look at our  Research Progress Report

Essential Qualities:

• Clarity : Questions should be clear and unambiguous.
• Relevance : Questions should be directly related to the research objectives.
• Brevity : Questions should be concise to maintain respondent engagement.
• Introduction : Sets the context and explains the purpose of the research.
• Main Body : Contains the core questions grouped by themes or topics.
• Demographic Section : Collects basic demographic information from respondents.

General Rules:

• Keep It Simple : Use straightforward language and avoid jargon.
• Be Specific : Ensure each question targets a specific piece of information.
• Avoid Leading Questions : Ensure questions do not bias the respondent’s answers.
• Pilot Test : Test the questionnaire with a small group before full deployment.
• Ensure Anonymity : Assure respondents that their answers will be confidential.

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Research Questionnaire

Questionnaire generator.

When a researcher creates a research paper using the scientific method they will need to use a gathering method that is adjacent to the research topic. This means that the researcher will use a quantitative research method for a quantitive topic and a qualitative method for a qualitative  one.  The research questionnaire is one of the quantitative data-gathering methods a researcher can use in their research paper.

What is Research Questionnaire?

Research Questionnaire Examples Bundle

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Research Questionnaire Format

Opening remarks.

Greeting : Start with a polite and professional greeting. Example : “Hello and thank you for participating in our research study.”

Introduction

Purpose : Briefly explain the purpose of the questionnaire. Example : “This questionnaire is designed to gather insights on consumer behavior in online shopping.”

Instructions

Guidance : Provide clear instructions on how to complete the questionnaire. Example : “Please answer all questions honestly. This survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.”

Questionnaire Sections

Section 1: Demographics Purpose : Collect basic demographic information about the respondent. Example : “Please fill in your age, gender, and education level.” Section 2: Behavioral Questions Purpose : Ask questions related to the specific behaviors or opinions being researched. Example : “How often do you shop online in a month?” Section 3: Opinions and Preferences Purpose : Explore respondents’ opinions or preferences related to the study topic. Example : “What is the most important factor when choosing an online shopping platform?” Section 4: Likert Scale Questions Purpose : Use a scale to gauge the intensity of feelings or agreement on certain statements. Example : “Please rate your agreement with the following statement: ‘I prefer online shopping over in-store shopping.’ (1 = Strongly Disagree, 5 = Strongly Agree)”

Closing Remarks

Summarize : Briefly recap the importance of the data being collected. Example : “Your responses are crucial to understanding consumer preferences in the online shopping market.” Final Thanks : Offer a word of appreciation for the respondent’s participation. Example : “Thank you for taking the time to complete this questionnaire.”

Goodbye : End with a polite and professional farewell. Example : “We greatly appreciate your participation. Have a great day!”

Research Questionnaire Example

Good day, participants, I stand before you to express our sincere gratitude for taking the time to participate in this research study. First and foremost, I would like to introduce this research questionnaire, which aims to gather valuable data on [research topic, e.g., “consumer behavior in online shopping”]. Your input will help shape our understanding and contribute significantly to this area of study. Our sincere thanks to the research team for their efforts in designing this questionnaire. Special appreciation also goes to the respondents who have agreed to take part in this study. Your honest and thoughtful responses are invaluable. We are also grateful for the support of our collaborators and data analysts who will be working behind the scenes to ensure the data is properly processed and interpreted. Without your collective support, this research would not be possible. In conclusion, we appreciate the time and effort each of you has invested in completing this questionnaire. Your participation helps move this research forward, and for that, we are truly thankful. Thank you once again for your contributions. We wish you all the best and look forward to the outcomes of this important research.

Short Research Questionnaire Example

Good day, participants, I stand here to sincerely thank you for taking the time to participate in this research study. First, this research questionnaire has been designed to gather key insights on [research topic]. Your participation is essential to our study. A big thank you to all who are involved in this research process, especially the participants for their valuable contributions. Lastly, we extend our gratitude to the research team and support staff for their efforts in ensuring this questionnaire runs smoothly. Thank you all once again for your time and support. We appreciate your input and look forward to the results of this research.

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How to Write Research Questionnaire?

Writing a research questionnaire involves careful planning and structuring to ensure you collect relevant and reliable data. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to write a research questionnaire:

Define the Research Objective

Before writing the questionnaire, clearly define the objective of your research. What specific information do you want to gather? Understanding the purpose will help guide the types of questions you ask.

Identify the Target Audience

Know who your respondents are (e.g., age, education, profession, geographic location). This will influence how you word your questions and what type of questions are most appropriate.

Choose the Type of Questions

Decide what type of questions will best serve your research: Closed-ended questions : These offer predefined answer options and are useful for quantitative data. Types include:Yes/No questions Multiple-choice questions Likert scale questions (e.g., strongly agree to strongly disagree) Open-ended questions : These allow respondents to answer in their own words and are useful for qualitative data.

Develop Clear and Concise Questions

Keep questions short and simple : Avoid complex wording and jargon that may confuse respondents. Avoid leading questions : Ensure that questions are neutral and do not guide respondents toward a specific answer. Be specific : Vague questions can result in unclear responses. Make sure the question is focused on what you want to know.

Use a Logical Flow

Structure your questionnaire in a logical order: Start with easy, non-sensitive questions : This helps build rapport and makes respondents comfortable. Group similar questions : This ensures a natural flow and helps respondents stay focused. Move from general to specific questions : Begin with broader topics and narrow down to more detailed questions.

Pre-Test and Pilot the Questionnaire

Before distributing your questionnaire, conduct a pre-test or pilot study with a small group of people from your target audience. This helps you identify any confusing or ambiguous questions, and allows you to make adjustments before the full launch.

Include Demographic Questions

Demographic questions (e.g., age, gender, education) are important if you need to categorize responses by specific groups. Place these either at the beginning or end of the questionnaire, depending on the sensitivity of the information.

Add Instructions Where Necessary

If a question requires special consideration, provide clear instructions. For example, for Likert scale questions, explain what each rating means.

Ensure Ethical Considerations

Inform respondents about the purpose of the questionnaire, how their data will be used, and ensure confidentiality. Obtain consent where necessary.

Keep It Short and Focused

A lengthy questionnaire can lead to respondent fatigue and incomplete responses. Focus on only the most important questions related to your research objectives.

Types of Research Questionnaire

There are several types of research questionnaires that researchers use based on the study design, data type, and objectives. These questionnaires can vary in format, structure, and purpose. Below are the main types:

1. Structured Questionnaire

• Definition : A structured questionnaire consists of predefined, closed-ended questions where the answer options are limited and set by the researcher.
• Purpose : Used to collect quantitative data in a systematic way, often in large-scale surveys.
• Fixed response options (e.g., multiple choice, Yes/No, Likert scale).
• Standardized for all respondents.
• Example : “How often do you exercise per week? (a) Never, (b) 1–2 times, (c) 3–4 times, (d) 5+ times.”

2. Unstructured Questionnaire

• Definition : An unstructured questionnaire consists of open-ended questions where respondents can freely express their thoughts and feelings.
• Purpose : Used to collect qualitative data, allowing for more in-depth exploration of a topic.
• No predefined answer options.
• Respondents can provide more detailed responses.
• Example : “Can you describe your experience with remote learning during the pandemic?”

3. Semi-Structured Questionnaire

• Definition : A semi-structured questionnaire combines both open-ended and closed-ended questions, providing a balance between structured data collection and flexibility.
• Purpose : Used in mixed-method research to gather both qualitative and quantitative data.
• Some questions are predefined with fixed responses, while others allow free responses.
• Example : “How satisfied are you with our customer service? (Likert scale) Please explain why you feel this way (open-ended).”

4. Self-Administered Questionnaire

• Definition : A questionnaire that respondents complete on their own without the direct involvement of a researcher.
• Purpose : Used in surveys, feedback forms, and opinion polls where respondents can fill it out at their convenience.
• Typically distributed online, via email, or in person.
• Respondents complete it independently.
• Example : Online survey about shopping habits sent to customers via email.

5. Interviewer-Administered Questionnaire

• Definition : A questionnaire where the researcher or interviewer asks the questions directly and records the respondent’s answers.
• Purpose : Used in situations where clarification is needed or where the questions might be complex.
• The interviewer reads the questions and records responses.
• Allows for clarification of misunderstandings during the interview.
• Example : Face-to-face interview for collecting demographic and employment data.

6. Closed-Ended Questionnaire

• Definition : A questionnaire where all questions have fixed responses (e.g., multiple choice, rating scales, Yes/No).
• Purpose : To gather quantitative data that is easy to analyze statistically.
• Respondents choose from a list of predefined answers.
• Suitable for large-scale surveys with numerical data analysis.
• Example : “On a scale of 1 to 5, how likely are you to recommend this product?”

7. Open-Ended Questionnaire

• Definition : A questionnaire that allows respondents to answer questions in their own words without being constrained by predefined options.
• Purpose : To gather detailed qualitative data that explores deeper insights.
• No restrictions on how respondents can answer.
• Results in descriptive or narrative responses.
• Example : “What do you think could be improved in our current service?”

8. Online Questionnaire

• Definition : A questionnaire that is distributed and completed electronically, typically via email, social media, or online platforms (e.g., Google Forms).
• Purpose : To collect data efficiently from a broad, diverse audience.
• Fast distribution and easy to access.
• Allows for automated data collection and analysis.
• Example : A customer satisfaction survey distributed via a company’s website.

Tips for Research Questionnaire

Here are some tips for creating an effective research questionnaire:

• Clarify your research objectives to ensure that every question contributes to answering the main research questions.
• Tailor the language, complexity, and format of the questions based on your target audience’s demographics, such as age, education level, or cultural background.
• Use simple, clear, and concise language to avoid confusion and ensure respondents understand the questions.
• Keep questions focused by asking only one thing at a time and avoiding double-barreled questions that address more than one issue.
• Use a logical flow, starting with easy questions and gradually moving to more complex or sensitive ones to maintain engagement.
• Include a mix of question types, such as closed-ended and open-ended questions, depending on the type of data you need.
• Avoid leading or biased questions, which may influence respondents’ answers. Ensure questions are neutral to gather unbiased responses.
• Pilot test the questionnaire with a small group to identify confusing or unclear questions, and make necessary revisions before distributing it widely.

How do I design a good research questionnaire?

To design a good research questionnaire, clarify your research objectives, know your target audience, use simple and clear language, ask one question at a time, avoid leading or biased questions, and ensure the questions are logically ordered. You should also pilot test your questionnaire before using it in full research.

How long should a research questionnaire be?

The length of the questionnaire depends on your research objectives and the complexity of the information needed. However, it should be as concise as possible to avoid respondent fatigue. Aim for a balance between gathering sufficient data and keeping respondents engaged.

How many questions should be in a research questionnaire?

The number of questions depends on the scope of the research but typically ranges from 10 to 50 questions. It’s important to balance the depth of data with respondent fatigue.

How should I interpret the results of a research questionnaire?

Results should be analyzed based on the research objectives. Quantitative data can be statistically analyzed, while qualitative data should be interpreted by identifying key themes or patterns.

What are the key components of a questionnaire?

Introduction: Explains the purpose of the research. Instructions: Provides guidance on how to answer the questions. Questions: The core of the questionnaire. Conclusion: Thanks the respondent and may provide contact information for further queries.

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21 Questionnaire Templates: Examples and Samples

Questionnaire: Definition

A questionnaire is defined a market research instrument that consists of questions or prompts to elicit and collect responses from a sample of respondents. A questionnaire is typically a mix of open-ended questions and close-ended questions ; the latter allowing for respondents to enlist their views in detail.

A questionnaire can be used in both, qualitative market research as well as quantitative market research with the use of different types of questions .

LEARN ABOUT: Open-Ended Questions

Types of Questionnaires

We have learnt that a questionnaire could either be structured or free-flow. To explain this better:

• Structured Questionnaires: A structured questionnaires helps collect quantitative data . In this case, the questionnaire is designed in a way that it collects very specific type of information. It can be used to initiate a formal enquiry on collect data to prove or disprove a prior hypothesis.
• Unstructured Questionnaires: An unstructured questionnaire collects qualitative data . The questionnaire in this case has a basic structure and some branching questions but nothing that limits the responses of a respondent. The questions are more open-ended.

LEARN ABOUT:   Structured Question

Types of Questions used in a Questionnaire

A questionnaire can consist of many types of questions . Some of the commonly and widely used question types though, are:

• Open-Ended Questions: One of the commonly used question type in questionnaire is an open-ended question . These questions help collect in-depth data from a respondent as there is a huge scope to respond in detail.
• Dichotomous Questions: The dichotomous question is a “yes/no” close-ended question . This question is generally used in case of the need of basic validation. It is the easiest question type in a questionnaire.
• Multiple-Choice Questions: An easy to administer and respond to, question type in a questionnaire is the multiple-choice question . These questions are close-ended questions with either a single select multiple choice question or a multiple select multiple choice question. Each multiple choice question consists of an incomplete stem (question), right answer or answers, close alternatives, distractors and incorrect answers. Depending on the objective of the research, a mix of the above option types can be used.
• Net Promoter Score (NPS) Question: Another commonly used question type in a questionnaire is the Net Promoter Score (NPS) Question where one single question collects data on the referencability of the research topic in question.
• Scaling Questions: Scaling questions are widely used in a questionnaire as they make responding to the questionnaire, very easy. These questions are based on the principles of the 4 measurement scales – nominal, ordinal, interval and ratio .

Questionnaires help enterprises collect valuable data to help them make well-informed business decisions. There are powerful tools available in the market that allows using multiple question types, ready to use survey format templates, robust analytics, and many more features to conduct comprehensive market research.

LEARN ABOUT: course evaluation survey examples

For example, an enterprise wants to conduct market research to understand what pricing would be best for their new product to capture a higher market share. In such a case, a questionnaire for competitor analysis can be sent to the targeted audience using a powerful market research survey software which can help the enterprise conduct 360 market research that will enable them to make strategic business decisions.

Now that we have learned what a questionnaire is and its use in market research , some examples and samples of widely used questionnaire templates on the QuestionPro platform are as below:

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Customer Questionnaire Templates: Examples and Samples

QuestionPro specializes in end-to-end Customer Questionnaire Templates that can be used to evaluate a customer journey right from indulging with a brand to the continued use and referenceability of the brand. These templates form excellent samples to form your own questionnaire and begin testing your customer satisfaction and experience based on customer feedback.

LEARN ABOUT: Structured Questionnaire

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Employee & Human Resource (HR) Questionnaire Templates: Examples and Samples

QuestionPro has built a huge repository of employee questionnaires and HR questionnaires that can be readily deployed to collect feedback from the workforce on an organization on multiple parameters like employee satisfaction, benefits evaluation, manager evaluation , exit formalities etc. These templates provide a holistic overview of collecting actionable data from employees.

Community Questionnaire Templates: Examples and Samples

The QuestionPro repository of community questionnaires helps collect varied data on all community aspects. This template library includes popular questionnaires such as community service, demographic questionnaires, psychographic questionnaires, personal questionnaires and much more.

Academic Evaluation Questionnaire Templates: Examples and Samples

Another vastly used section of QuestionPro questionnaire templates are the academic evaluation questionnaires . These questionnaires are crafted to collect in-depth data about academic institutions and the quality of teaching provided, extra-curricular activities etc and also feedback about other educational activities.

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Qualitative Research Questionnaire – Types & Examples

Published by Alvin Nicolas at August 19th, 2024 , Revised On October 24, 2024

Before you start your research, the first thing you need to identify is the research method . Depending on different factors, you will either choose a quantitative or qualitative study.

Qualitative research is a great tool that helps understand the depth and richness of human opinions and experiences. Unlike quantitative research, which focuses on numerical data , qualitative research allows exploring and interpreting the experiences of the subject. Questionnaires, although mostly associated with quantitative research, can also be a valuable instrument in qualitative studies. Let’s explore what qualitative research questionnaires are and how you can create one.

What Is A Qualitative Research Questionnaire

Qualitative research questionnaires are a structured or semi-structured set of questions designed to gather detailed, open-ended participant responses. It allows you to uncover underlying reasons and opinions and provides insights into a particular phenomenon.

While quantitative questionnaires often have closed-ended questions and numerical responses, a qualitative questionnaire encourages participants to express themselves freely. Before you design your questionnaire, you should know exactly what you need so you can keep your questions specific enough for the participants to understand.

For example:

• Describe your experience using our product.
• How has technology impacted your work-life balance?

Types of Qualitative Research Questions With Examples

Now that you are familiar with what qualitative research questions are, let’s look at the different types of questions you can use in your survey .

Descriptive Questions

These are used to explore and describe a phenomenon in detail. It helps answer the “what” part of the research, and the questions are mostly foundational.

Example: How do students experience online learning?

Comparative Questions

This type allows you to compare and contrast different groups or situations. You can explore the differences and similarities to highlight the impact of specific variables.

Example: How do the study habits of first-year and fourth-year university students differ?

Interpretive Questions

These questions help you understand the meanings people attach to experiences or phenomena by answering the “how” and “why”.

Example: What does “success” mean to entrepreneurs?

Evaluative Questions

You can use these to assess the quality or value of something. These allow you to understand the outcomes of various situations.

Example: How effective is the new customer service training program?

Process-Oriented Questions

To understand how something happens or develops over time, researchers often use process-oriented questions.

Example: How do individuals develop their career goals?

Exploratory Questions

These allow you to discover new perspectives on a topic. However, you have to be careful that there must be no preconceived notions or research biases to it.

Example: What are the emerging trends in the mobile gaming industry?

How To Write Qualitative Research Questions?

For your study to be successful, it is important to consider designing a questionnaire for qualitative research critically, as it will shape your research and data collection. Here is an easy guide to writing your qualitative research questions perfectly.

Tip 1: Understand Your Research Goals

Many students start their research without clear goals, and they have to make substantial changes to their study in the middle of the research. This wastes time and resources.

Before you start crafting your questions, it is important to know your research objectives. You should know what you aim to discover through your research, or what specific knowledge gaps you are going to fill. With the help of a well-defined research focus, you can develop relevant and meaningful information.

Tip 2: Choose The Structure For Research Questions

There are mostly open-ended questionnaires in qualitative research. They begin with words like “how,” “what,” and “why.” However, the structure of your research questions depends on your research design . You have to consider using broad, overarching questions to explore the main research focus, and then add some specific probes to further research the particular aspects of the topic.

Tip 3: Use Clear Language

The more clear and concise your research questions are, the more effective and free from ambiguity they will be. Do not use complex terminology that might confuse participants. Try using simple and direct language that accurately conveys your intended meaning.

Here is a table to explain the wrong and right ways of writing your qualitative research questions.

Tip 4: Check Relevance With Research Goals

Once you have developed some questions, check if they align with your research objectives. You must ensure that each question contributes to your overall research questions. After this, you can eliminate any questions that do not serve a clear purpose in your study.

Tip 5: Concentrate On A Single Theme

While it is tempting to cover multiple aspects of a topic in one question, it is best to focus on a single theme per question. This helps to elicit focused responses from participants. Moreover, you have to avoid combining unrelated concepts into a single question.

If your main research question is complicated, you can create sub-questions with a “ladder structure”. These allow you to understand the attributes, consequences, and core values of your research. For example, let’s say your main broad research question is:

• How do you feel about your overall experience with our company?

The intermediate questions may be:

• What aspects of your experience were positive?
• What aspects of your experience were negative?
• How likely are you to recommend our company to a friend or colleague?

Types Of Survey Questionnaires In Qualitative Research

It is important to consider your research objectives, target population, resources and needed depth of research when selecting a survey method. The main types of qualitative surveys are discussed below.

Face To Face Surveys

Face-to-face surveys involve direct interaction between the researcher and the participant. This method allows observers to capture non-verbal cues, body language, and facial expressions, and helps adapt questions based on participant responses. They also let you clarify any misunderstandings. Moreover, there is a higher response rate because of personal interaction.

Example: A researcher conducting a study on consumer experiences with a new product might visit participants’ homes to conduct a detailed interview.

Telephone Surveys

These type of qualitative research survey questionnaires provide a less intrusive method for collecting qualitative data. The benefits of telephone surveys include, that it allows you to collect data from a wider population. Moreover, it is generally less expensive than face-to-face interviews and interviews can be conducted efficiently.

Example: A market research firm might conduct telephone surveys to understand customer satisfaction with a telecommunication service.

Online Surveys

Online survey questionnaires are a convenient and cost-effective way to gather qualitative data. You can reach a wide audience quickly, and participants may feel more comfortable sharing sensitive information because of anonymity. Additionally, there are no travel or printing expenses.

Example: A university might use online surveys to explore students’ perceptions of online learning experiences.

Strengths & Limitations Of Questionnaires In Qualitative Research

Questionnaires are undoubtedly a great data collection tool. However, it comes with its fair share of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s discuss the benefits of questionnaires in qualitative research and their cons as well.

Qualitative Research Questionnaire Example

Here is a concise qualitative research questionnaire sample for research papers to give you a better idea of its format and how it is presented.

Thank you for participating in our survey. We value your feedback on our new mobile app. Your responses will help us improve the applications and better meet your needs.

Demographic Information

• Occupation:
• How long have you been using smartphones:
• How would you describe your overall experience with the new mobile app?
• What do you like most about the app?
• What do you dislike most about the app?
• Are there any specific features you find particularly useful or helpful? Please explain.
• Are there any features you think are missing or could be improved? Please elaborate.
• How easy is the app to navigate? Please explain any difficulties you encountered.
• How does this app compare to other similar apps you have used?
• What are your expectations for future updates or improvements to the app?
• Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience with the app?

Are questionnaires quantitative or qualitative research?

A survey research questionnaire can have both qualitative and quantitative questions. The qualitative questions are mostly open-ended, and quantitative questions take the form of yes/no, or Likert scale rating. 

Can we use questionnaires in qualitative research?

Yes, survey questionnaires can be used in qualitative research for data collection. However, instead of a Likert scale or rating, you can post open-ended questions to your respondents. The participants can provide detailed responses to the questions asked.

Why are questionnaires good for qualitative research?

In qualitative research, questionnaires allow you to collect qualitative data. The open-ended and unstructured questions help respondents present their ideas freely and provide insights. 

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