Chapter 14: Questionnaires

Activity 1

Fill in the gaps:

1. Questionnaires can be used in both ________ and ________ research studies. Structured questionnaires are generally ________ in nature, and unstructured questionnaires are usually ________.

a. quantitative, quantitative, quantitative, quantitative

b. quantitative, qualitative, quantitative, qualitative

c. qualitative, qualitative, qualitative, qualitative

d. qualitative, quantitative, quantitative, quantitative

Answer

Questionnaires can be used in both quantitative and qualitative research studies. Structured questionnaires are generally quantitative in nature, and unstructured questionnaires are usually qualitative.

Activity 2

Fill in the gaps:

1. Open questions give primarily ________ data; however, if there are a number of similar responses, then the number of times a particular issue is mentioned can be ________ (thus converting ________ data into ________ data).

a. quantitative, qualitative, counted, quantitative

b. qualitative, quantitative, counted, qualitative

c. counted, counted, quantitative, counted

d. qualitative, counted, qualitative, quantitative

Answer

Open questions give primarily qualitative data; however, if there are a number of similar responses, then the number of times a particular issue is mentioned can be counted (thus converting qualitative data into quantitative data).

Activity 3

Convert the following open questions into closed questions.

1. How do you keep up to date with developments in your professional field?

How do you keep up to date with professional developments in your field? Tick each that apply.

  • Continuing professional development courses (CPD) held in house
  • Externally arranged CPD courses
  • Studying for a higher qualification in your field
  • Reading professional journal regularly
  • Following an internet blog or forum

2. What ways do you use to share information about their children with parents?

How do you share information with parents? Tick each that apply.

  • Regular newsletter
  • Email
  • Termly parents consultations
  • Informally at the beginning and end of the day

Activity 4

Convert the following closed questions into open questions.

a. Which initiatives aimed at reducing childhood obesity are used in your early childhood setting? Tick each that apply.

  • Foods containing sugar are not allowed on the premises (except fruit)
  • Children are given food prepared from fresh ingredients. No pre-prepared foods are given to children
  • Children are only given water or milk to drink
  • Children are encouraged to keep physically active for at least 3 hours a day

Some children receive most of their daily nutrition at nursery. What initiatives does your setting use to ensure children do not become obese?