Types of question:

It is important to distinguish between the different types of questions that can be used in a questionnaire. There are a number of forms of classification, as follows.

¨ Questions of fact and questions of opinion - questions of fact ask for factual data, such as biographical details, qualifications obtained, etc., whereas questions of opinion ask respondents to express their views on a particular topic.

¨ Open and closed questions - open questions allow respondents to express their answer as they please, while closed questions structure the possible replies (for example, through tick-boxes or scales). While open questions provide richer data, they make analysis more difficult. Closed questions permit comparisons and statistical manipulation, but limit respondents' replies.