Individualities of Destructive and Useful Questions

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Individualities of Destructive Questions: Researchers are often found suggesting guidelines for creative research supportive questions. However, before doing that it is important to clearly know, what are the kinds of questions that need to be avoided.  There are certain kinds of questions that can be called as destructive questions for a questionnaire. They have their … Continue reading “Individualities of Destructive and Useful Questions”

Individualities of Destructive Questions:

Researchers are often found suggesting guidelines for creative research supportive questions. However, before doing that it is important to clearly know, what are the kinds of questions that need to be avoided.  There are certain kinds of questions that can be called as destructive questions for a questionnaire. They have their own traits and it is important to identify those traits.

  1. Stay away from questions from basic Yes, No questions. The reason being that they offer a very little understanding of the direction these questions take the research into. The focus of the researcher should be to pink up questions that begin with interrogative words such as, What, How, When, Where.
  2. Questions should avoid the use of any leading terminology. They take the response of the respondent in a predefined direction and are often taken in the category of being manipulative or dishonest questions.
  3. Do not have too many questions that begin with, “Why”. These questions bring up a feeling of defensiveness in the respondent and they may get offended that their actions need to be justified to the researcher.

 Individualities of Useful Questions:

These set of guidelines may be helpful in creating a more responsive, analytical and fair questionnaire.

  1. Incorporate open ended questions wherever it is possible. These kinds of questions go beyond the conventional yes or no. The advantage is that they generate a thinking process for the respondent and keep his focus on the questionnaire.
  2. In the case of an interview session, with open ended questions, do ask clarifying questions so as to get an understanding of the bottom line.
  3. Try to bring in questions that give an understanding about the perspectives, assumptions and actions of the respondent.
  4. Ask for help and ideas. It can serve as a powerful tool when enough faith is shown in peer or at times even the respondent when you ask for help. It may help you to get a fresh insight into the research. You could get clues by putting up enquiries such as, “What questions should I be asking now?” or “What else can I know from you?”