TABLE 6.2 COMMON TYPES OF QUESTIONS USED IN QUESTIONNAIRES

TABLE 6.2 COMMON TYPES OF QUESTIONS USED IN QUESTIONNAIRES
TYPE OF QUESTION	EXAMPLE	COMMENTS
Multiple choice	Would you consider joining a company-sponsored sports team? Yes __ No __	The respondent selects one of the alternatives.
Likert scale	The flextime program has been a success in its first year. strongly disagree _ _ _ _ _ _ strongly agree	The respondent ranks the degree to which he or she agrees or disagrees with the statement. Using an even number of possible responses (six, in this case) increases your chances of obtaining useful data. With an odd number, many respondents will choose the middle response.
Semantic differentials	Logging on to the system simple _ _ _ _ _ _ difficult The description of the new desalinization process interesting _ _ _ _ _ _ boring	The respondent registers a response along a continuum between a pair of opposing adjectives. Usually, these questions measure a person’s feelings about a task, an experience, or an object. As with Likert scales, an even number of possible responses yields better data.
Ranking	Please rank the following work schedules in order of preference. Put a 1 next to the schedule you would most like to have, a 2 next to your second choice, and so on. 8:00–4:30 __ 9:00–5:30 __ 8:30–5:00 __ flexible __	The respondent indicates the priority of a number of alternatives.
Short answer	What do you feel are the major advantages of the new parts-requisitioning policy? 1. __________________ 2. __________________ 3. __________________	The respondent writes a brief answer using phrases or sentences.
Short essay	The new parts-requisitioning policy has been in effect for a year. How well do you think it is working? _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________	Although essay questions can yield information you never would have found using closed-ended questions, you will receive fewer responses to them because answering them requires more effort. Also, essays cannot be quantified precisely, as data from other types of questions can.