Introduction

In the field of the sciences, theory and research are two areas that complement one another and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge. Theory provides the general frameworks and laws that explain phenomena, while research seeks to verify or improve these laws with the ultimate aim of scientific validity. In order to draw reliable conclusions from research findings, the use of statistical methods is essential, as they serve as tools for analyzing numerical data. Statistics, therefore, act as the main supporter of every study. Within this framework, the questionnaire emerges as the most widespread method for collecting primary information, as it enables the gathering of data from a large number of individuals in a standardized and comparable way. For this reason, the proper construction of a questionnaire is crucial to the success of any research process.

Designing a Questionnaire

The creation of a questionnaire requires careful planning and cannot be based on arbitrariness. The questionnaire must be as concise and clear as possible so that it does not tire the respondent. Its questions should be simple and understandable, avoiding scientific jargon or specialized concepts that may cause confusion. The content must be neutral and should not place the respondent in an uncomfortable position, nor guide them toward a specific answer. It is also important to include key questions that check the reliability of the answers, while the formulation of the questions should facilitate the processing and analysis of data. The style of the questions must be appropriate, especially in evaluation questionnaires where the use of the first person should be avoided, as it may give the impression of an interrogation. The questions should reflect current reality and be grouped into sections, such as demographic questions in one section, open-ended questions in another, and multiple-choice questions in a different section. Finally, all questions should be numbered sequentially in ascending order to ensure coherence and organization.

Rules for Structuring a Questionnaire

The structure of a questionnaire follows certain rules concerning both appearance and content. At the beginning, the title of the research, the institution conducting it, and its address should be stated, and if applicable, the legal framework authorizing the research should also be mentioned. The questionnaire must then include three basic components: demographic information, instructions for completion, and the actual questions with space for answers. The personal information of respondents is determined according to the research objectives and is often placed at the end so that it is answered after the participant has already engaged with the process. The questions should begin with the most general and gradually move to the more specialized ones, so as to avoid influencing responses. A characteristic example is the combination of a question about a person’s weight followed immediately by a question about whether they are trying to lose weight. In a 1995 survey where the two questions were placed together, the response rates differed significantly compared to when the questions were placed separately. This demonstrates that the order of questions influences the answers, as respondents tend to appear consistent.

Instructions for Completion and Examples

Particular importance is given to the instructions provided to the respondents. These must be presented before the questionnaire is completed and must be clear and unambiguous. The instructions should include the estimated duration of completion, the length of the questionnaire, the concept under investigation, the purpose of the research, and an assurance that confidentiality of the responses will be maintained. In addition, detailed examples must be provided regarding how to answer, where to indicate the response, and how scoring will be carried out, in order to prevent misinterpretations. When the questionnaire includes various types of questions, examples should be provided for each type, and specific restrictions may also be included, such as asking respondents to note the first answer that spontaneously comes to mind.

Conclusions

From the above, it becomes clear that the questionnaire is the most widely used data collection tool, playing a decisive role in the proper conduct of research or study. With its correct structuring and construction, the initial stage of preparation is completed, followed by the next phase, the pilot study. The pilot study aims to assess the reliability and validity of the questionnaire, ensuring that the tool can provide valid data for analysis. Therefore, the process of creating a questionnaire is not limited to the drafting of questions, but requires scientific reasoning, clear objectives, and respect for the respondent. When all these elements are observed, the questionnaire is not simply a means of gathering information, but becomes an essential scientific tool that contributes to the advancement of knowledge and the improvement of the research process.