Module: classroom investigation I

Suggested answers:

• 
  What do you think is the aim of the questionnaire?
  

The focus of the questionnaire is on intercultural learning.

• 
  Who is intended for?
  

The questionnaire is designed for undergraduate students majoring in English.

• 
  The possible research question might be: What are the students’ needs in terms of intercultural learning?
  
• 
  How long do you think it will take to complete the questionnaire?
  

As it is stated in the introduction it will take approximately 10 minutes to complete the questionnaire.

• 
  What types of questions are there (open, closed)?
  

There are closed (e.g. question 1 –respondents should choose from the given options), open (e.g. question 4 – options are not given, respondents should give their own answers), and mixed (e.g. question 2 – it requires ticking Yes or No and then requires clarification).

• 
  Do you like the questionnaire? Why/Why not?
  

• 
  Make a transition to the next activity by saying that now you will draw conclusions based on the analysis.
  

Activity 2 Principles of a questionnaire design
Time: 20 minutes
Objective: to raise students’ awareness of principles of a questionnaire design
Materials: Handout 3

Procedure:

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  Make a small presentation (if possible, on PowerPoint) on principles of a questionnaire design using the notes on Handout 3.
  
• 
  Invite questions and discussion.
  

Activity 3 Questionnaire - Advantages and disadvantages
Time: 20 minutes
Objective: to let students explore advantages and disadvantages of using questionnaires as a research tool
Materials:

Procedure:

• 
  Put students in groups of 4/5. Ask students to brainstorm advantages and disadvantages of using a questionnaire as a research tool. Allow 10 minutes for students for working in groups.
  
• 
  Ask volunteers to share their answers with the whole class.
  

Suggested answers: Questionnaires as a research tool
Advantages	Disadvantages
Cheap and easy to administer Allows covering large numbers of respondents Allows respondents to complete a questionnaire at their own pace	Unpredictable response rate (especially when given out to complete at home, or administered through Internet) Item non-response rate (i.e. respondents may leave certain questions unanswered)

• 
  Summarise the activity by saying that questionnaires are practical in collecting and analyzing data. There are certain disadvantages of using them, therefore a researcher should use other research tools (for example, interviews, observations, test etc.) along with questionnaires to get valid data.