A dissertation questionnaire is a structured set of questions designed to gather information about respondents’ opinions, behaviours, or experiences. It is a common data collection tool used in quantitative and qualitative research.
Do you know the first questionnaire was developed in 1838? It was designed to collect responses from individuals to understand their behaviour towards various stimuli.
Since then, scientists have been using questionnaires to collect statistical data. The invention of the questionnaire gave birth to subjects like sociology and statistics.
In academic research, students use questionnaires to collect data that aligns with their research objectives and hypotheses.
However, collecting responses can be time-consuming and challenging, especially when relying on participants to complete all questions accurately and honestly.
Why Are Dissertation Questionnaires Important?
So are they really important? The simple answer is yes. Here is why:
- Organises data collection in a structured and consistent format
- Enables large-scale data collection at minimal cost
- Makes responses easier to analyse and interpret
- Allows you to explore specific behaviours or opinions in detail
- Supports both open-ended and closed-ended formats
What Is a Dissertation Questionnaire Consent Form?
A questionnaire consent form is a document participants sign to confirm they are voluntarily taking part in the study. It usually appears on the first page of the questionnaire.
It includes:
- Participant’s basic information
- Researcher’s details
- Research purpose and scope
- Assurance of anonymity and data protection
Online Dissertation Questionnaires
Gone are the days of printing paper forms. Today, researchers use digital tools to send and receive questionnaire responses and perform data analysis
Recommended Tools:
- Google Forms
- Microsoft Forms
- SurveyMonkey
- SurveyPlanet
Looking for dissertation help?
Research Prospect to the rescue then!
We have expert writers on our team who are skilled at helping students with dissertations across a variety of disciplines. Guaranteeing 100% satisfaction!
Key Components Of A High-Quality Dissertation Questionnaire
To create an effective questionnaire, make sure it includes the following elements:
1. Structured Layout
A logical flow and clean design improve readability and engagement. Group questions by theme.
2. Original and Exploratory Questions
Avoid clichés. Ask unique questions that uncover detailed insights about the participants.
3. Likert Scales
These scales (e.g., Strongly Disagree → Strongly Agree) measure attitudes and perceptions. They are essential for quantitative analysis.
4. Question Consistency
Use consistent wording, formats, and categories to ensure clarity and data validity.
Difference Between Questionnaire & Survey
| Questionnaire | Survey |
|---|---|
| A questionnaire is a set of questions that helps to collect information, experiences, and opinions of the individuals. | A survey is the whole research process, including data collection and calculation of the final results. |
| It is a fast process. | It is a time-consuming process. |
| A questionnaire cannot be a part of a survey. | A survey always contains a questionnaire. |
| It has close-ended questions. | It has both open-ended and close-ended questions. |
| The data is objective. | The data is both objective and subjective. |
How To Write A Dissertation Questionnaire In 10 Simple Steps
The essential steps involved in writing a dissertation questionnaire are given as follows:
Step 1: Define Clear Research Objectives
Clarify what your research seeks to uncover. Your objectives should guide your question development.
Ask yourself:
- What knowledge gap am I addressing?
- What data do I need to fill that gap?
Step 2: Assess Resource Requirements
Consider your timeline, available tools, participant access, and budget. Do not overextend beyond your realistic capacity.
Step 3: Select The Right Data Collection Method
There are many data collection methods, such as in-person, telephone, email, direct mail, and online platforms. It is essential to choose the proper data collection method that can be easily used to deliver authentic results. You should also design your questionnaire according to the collection method.
Methodology
Methodology is the collection of particular techniques for collecting and processing data. Create an efficient research methodology to collect data accurately. It will help you optimise and streamline your research process.
Step 4: Write Clear, Logical Questions
The questions should be logical and follow a series of numbers. Close-ended questions are used in the writing of dissertation or thesis questionnaires.
Step 5: Apply Appropriate Scaling (e.g., Likert)
Scaling is used to calculate the response of the participants. Researchers should set the perfect scaling according to the nature of the questions. The Likert scale is the most widely used in questionnaires. It allows researchers to generate responses of participants from the right extreme to the left extreme.
Step 6: Design for Readability and Visual Appeal
The design and colour of the questionnaire should be selected according to the theme of the topic. Moreover, a graphically appealing questionnaire also increases the engagement of readers.
Step 7: Evaluate & Analyse The Questionnaire
Review your draft:
- Are questions aligned with objectives and problem statement?
- Are scales accurate?
- Is the design distraction-free?
Step 8: Pretest With A Small Population
After completing the questionnaire, prepare to pretest it with a small population. Check the responses of the participants thoroughly. Be open to feedback and criticism. It will help you consider revisions and alterations and improve your questionnaire.
Step 9: Revise Based On Feedback
If there are any changes required in the questionnaire, make them immediately. Revise your questionnaire again and again to illuminate even a minor mistake. Also, take feedback from your peers to further enhance the quality of your questionnaire.
Step 10: Finalise & Distribute
When all the required changes and revisions are made, it is time to finalise the questionnaire. Again, go through all its important obligations and ensure everything is in perfect shape. When everything is done from your side, it is time to finalise and launch it for the actual research.
Dissertation Questionnaire Template
Here is a template of the dissertation questionnaire:
[Introduction of the Researcher with all the key objectives briefly explained.]
[Questionnaire consent Form]
Questions:
| No. of Questions | Strongly Disagree | Disagree | Neutral | Agree | Strongly Agree |
| Q1. | |||||
| Q2. | |||||
| Q3. | |||||
| Q4. |
Dissertation Questionnaire Example
Introduction: Hello. My name is ……….. I am currently studying at………………. and doing my …………………………. I am conducting this research to [agenda of the study].This research will help me to provide solutions to all these problems:
[Problems and solutions]
This questionnaire contains XX questions. It will just take 15 minutes to complete it. All your personal information and responses will be kept anonymous from other participants. There are both open-ended and close-ended questions. Answer them honestly. Thank you.
Part 1: Multiple Choice Questions
- Are you a male or a female?
| Male | Female | Other | Prefer not to say |
- Have you completed your bachelor’s degree?
| Yes | No |
- Did you study your major according to your passion?
| Yes | No |
- Are you doing a job related to your degree?
| Yes | No |
- Are you satisfied with your current job?
| Yes | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
The length of your questionnaire should be according to your objectives. There is no fixed number of questions in a questionnaire. Some questionnaires are basic, some are exploratory, and some are in-depth. However, an ideal questionnaire should be completed in 25 to 30 minutes without losing the participant’s interest.
It’s entirely up to you to add as many questions as you want. Remember that you should add enough questions to complete your research objectives. Avoid adding excessive questions, as they can be boring for participants.
These are the necessary tips to analyse a questionnaire for a dissertation:
- Pile up all the responses
- Analyse all the questions
- Visualise the collected data
- Interpretation of results
Yes. A consent form ensures participants voluntarily take part and understand how their data will be used, maintaining ethical standards.
Absolutely. Tools like Google Forms and SurveyPlanet allow for quick, secure, and user-friendly online data collection.
A questionnaire is the tool used to gather responses. A survey includes the entire research process: planning, distributing, collecting, and analysing data.
