Methodological Issues in Questionnaire Design

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONPsycho-social-behavioral concepts are commonly measured by nursing researchers using questionnaires.Questionnaires are useful and easy to administer to collect data from participants in studies [1]. It is absolutely important for a researcher to be aware of the importance of a well-designed questionnaire and whether it measures what it is intended to measure. Therefore, the use of a valid and reliable tool to measure the properties of psych-social-behavioral concepts is an essential part of well-designed studies. Consideration should be given accordingly on whether the questionnaire will measure quantitative or qualitative data, and what would be its mode of administration.With respect to questionnaire design, we present a definition of measurement, the guiding basic principles of measurement, and broad overview to the readers on questionnaires. Moreover, we discuss several important issues in the enhancement of the reliability and validity of measurement. CONSIDERATIONS PRIOR TO QUESTIONNAIRE DESIGNMost respondents have the tendency to respond to questionnaires without considering how missing responses will be analyzed, how they will contribute to answering research questions, and how researchers will account for questionnaires that are not Purpose: The process of designing a questionnaire is complicated. Many questionnaires on nursing phenomena have been developed and used by nursing researchers. The purpose of this paper was to discuss questionnaire design and factors that should be considered when using existing scales. Methods: Methodological issues were discussed, such as factors in the design of questions, steps in developing questionnaires, wording and formatting methods for items, and administrations methods. How to use existing scales, how to facilitate cultural adaptation, and how to prevent socially desirable responding were discussed. Moreover, the triangulation method in questionnaire development was introduced. Results: Steps were recommended for designing questions such as appropriately operationalizing key concepts for the target population, clearly formatting response options, generating items and confirming final items through face or content validity, sufficiently piloting the questionnaire using item analysis, demonstrating reliability and validity, finalizing the scale, and training the administrator. Psychometric properties and cultural equivalence should be evaluated prior to administration when using an existing questionnaire and performing cultural adaptation. Conclusion: In the context of well-defined nursing phenomena, logical and systematic methods will contribute to the development of simple and precise questionnaires. Methodological Issues in Questionnaire Design STEPS IN DESIGNING MEASUREMENT TOOLSThe process and steps for developing a scale vary depending on what is being measured in a study. Stehr-Green et al.

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