Questionnaire Fundamentals

This course will give anyone new to questionnaire design a solid framework of understanding of the key principles and common challenges. It will build confidence and practice in spotting weaknesses so the main pitfalls are avoided. It is also relevant for those reviewing questionnaires before starting fieldwork.

Learning outcomes

• Recognise the strengths and weaknesses of the range of question types - be able to choose an appropriate question format
• Understand the principles of wording questions – building a checklist of the key ‘tests’ of a question
• Know what decisions need to be made to achieve a good structure and flow -and minimise order bias
• Identify the key steps in an efficient and effective questionnaire writing process
• Learn how to review the fundamentals of an effective questionnaire prior to embarking on a fieldwork project

Who will benefit

Anyone who is starting to work with questionnaires (whether designing, scripting or delivering them) who wants to make sure they have a good grounding in the basics to help them as they start to build their questionnaire design and review experience.

Learning method

Mix of theory and short exercises to help attendees practice spotting problems.

Trainer bio

Kate Bolton

Kate is a user-friendly, freelance trainer focused on building research and insights skills among agency and client researchers and marketeers. Kate shares her enthusiasm for clarity and simplicity so that research outcomes are practical and commercial.

Before returning to freelance Kate spent 15 years as Learning Director at Kantar - creating global research training programmes. She’s experienced in translating specialist content into engaging learning material – including online video tutorials - as well as facilitation of virtual and in-person training.

Kate’s training skills build on her first 20 years as a research practitioner (RSL, TNS). She is a Certified Member of the MRS and an MRS Advanced Certificate examiner. She originally studied Experimental Psychology at Cambridge.

In Company Training

This course, along with any of our 50 training courses can be offered as part of an in-company package.  We can develop or adapt our core courses to ensure your employees get the development that is right for your business.  In consultation with you, and our expert trainer/s, we develop a tailor-made programme designed for your organisation.  Live projects from your business can also  be used to make the learning experience as relevant as possible.  Please see our In-Company Training for more information.

Testimonials

“Great to go back to questionnaire essentials and the impact on respondents.”

Rachel Cooper – Endeavor Analytics, March 2025

“Very informative and full of good nuggets and tips! Kate was great in delivering the content.”

Dan – Tesco, September 2024

“Kate was excellent at teaching this course. She kept it entertaining, interactive and extremely insightful, as well all very well explained and structured. She made sure any and every question was answered and went out of her way to offer extra support, even during breaks. I would definitely recommend Questionnaire Fundamentals to others who are new to research or those who want to brush up on their skills.”

Hannah Unwin – Liverpool Football Club, September 2024