A questionnaire is a research instrument consisting of a structured set of questions designed to gather information from respondents. It is most commonly used in survey-based research and can be administered in various formats such as paper forms, online surveys, phone interviews, or in-person sessions.
Questionnaires may include different types of questions: open-ended (allowing free-form responses), closed-ended (such as multiple choice or rating scales), or a mix of both. The questions are strategically designed to align with the objectives of the research, aiming to collect data that can be measured, compared, and analyzed.
A well-constructed questionnaire ensures clarity, logical flow, and relevance to the target audience, and it minimizes bias or confusion. The resulting data is often used for statistical analysis, trend identification, or drawing conclusions about attitudes, behaviors, or opinions within a specific population.