Structure

1. Structure 1. Online questionnaire question types: An overview 2. Activity: Exploring question types 3. Review: Lessons for successful online questionnaire design

2. Question types Main types of web form controls: Choosing predetermined options... Radio buttons Checkboxes Select boxes

3. Question types 2 Main types of web form controls: Open response questions: Text boxes Text areas

4. Question types 3 Can be grouped or used creatively to create different question types or to copy common types from paper-based questionnaires. E.g. Question grids:

5. Question types 4 Programming (validation routines) can be added to ensure questions are answered in particular ways. E.g. Continuing is only possible if a response is given Responses must be of a particular types (e.g. Numbers in a certain range)

6. Activity: Question types http://wads.le.ac.uk//gg/orm/timingform.htm • Complete each question (with a genuine response) and press the stop buttons to record the time taken. • Press ‘Finish’ then ‘Compare times’ to see the time taken by others who have completed the activity • What were the main issues affecting completion times?

7. Review : Lessons for successful online questionnaire design Discuss your findings and report back...

8. Review : Lessons for successful online questionnaire design – some suggestions • Evaluation and testing is vital • Make questions as simple as possible (bearing in mind target audience and research needs) • Use open response questions with care – participants can quit with a single (double) click! • Use validation with care and only when absolutely necessary to avoid drop out. • If validation is used, make sure that instructions are clear