Mother and Child Health: Research Methods

1. Mother and Child Health: Research Methods G.J.Ebrahim Editor Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, Oxford University Press.

2. Steps in Preparing Questionnaires - 1 • Define the topics with details of information needed to answer research question • Prepare a list of variables • Think ahead about analyzing the information and statistics to be used. • Prepare first draft • Revise. Change technical terms. Use short sentences.

3. Steps in Preparing Questionnaires - 2 • Pre-test to find out how respondents understand the questions • Further sorting out of words and phrases. • If possible, do a large pre-test. • Administer the questionnaire

4. Format of Questions • Type of response format has implication for analysis • Closed questions offer respondents a number of defined response choices • Open-ended questions allow respondents freedom to respond in their own way.

5. Measuring Attitude • There are two possible formats: • The Likert Type ( 7- points format): Strongly agree; agree; undecided; disagree; strongly disagree. • Forced Choice (4 - points format): Strongly agree; agree; disagree; strongly disagree.

6. Pitfalls to Avoid • Long complex questions • Double-barreled questions • Leading questions • Double negatives • Jargon or abbreviations • Words with double meanings • Emotionally slanted questions

7. Objective is to gather information without error or bias Have standardized interview procedure from one subject to another Probing procedure should be uniform Interviewers should have prior training for a uniform approach Gestures and body language should be given particular attention Administering the Questionnaire