From Question to Measure: Designing a Good Questionnaire

Questionnaires are among the most widely used data collection tools in scientific research. However, their apparent simplicity conceals a set of methodological decisions which, when not properly grounded, can compromise the validity and reliability of the data collected and, consequently, the conclusions of the research.  

This training adopts a strongly practical orientation: it starts from the most common errors observed in questionnaire design in research settings and, through group-based exercises, develops the skills required to produce rigorous, clear, and study-appropriate measurement instruments.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

This workshop will be a two-day event, taking place on May 18 and 21, at IPMA, Matosinhos, from 9:30am to 1pm.

The sessions can be held in portuguese or english, depending on the preferences indicated in the registration.

Registrations are open until May 15.

• CIIMAR & IPMA members: free
• Standard: 100€ (CCMAR members have a 50% discount)

NOTE: The attendance certificate will be issued if the trainee attends at least 80% of the total course time.

If tickets are sold out, you can sign up for the waiting list through this link (you will be notified in order of registration).

DESCRIPTION:

By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

• Identify the principles that distinguish a well-designed questionnaire from a problematic one; 
• Select the appropriate scale type and response format for different variables and research objectives; 
• Formulate clear, unambiguous items free from wording bias; 
• Structure and order a questionnaire to minimise context effects and respondent fatigue; 
• Critically review questionnaires produced by others (and by themselves), identifying areas for improvement; 
• Apply these principles to develop a questionnaire tailored to their own field of research.

 Programme:

1st day (May 18th)

1. Foundations
   • What is a good questionnaire?;
   • Types of variables and measurement scales. Common research errors;
2. Item Construction
   • Writing clear and valid items;
   • Wording and response biases;
   • Questionnaire structure and format.

2nd day (May 21st)

1. Practical Exercise (I)
   • Group work: participants design a mini-questionnaire relevant to their field;
   • Critical analysis;
2. Practical Exercise (II)
   • Peer review of questionnaires;
   • Guided discussion: what to improve and why;
3. Closing Session
   • Key principles summary;
   • Recommended resources.

Trainer: Virgínia da Conceição

Virgínia is a clinical and health psychologist and researcher at the Health Policy and Systems Lab of the Institute of Public Health of the University of Porto (ISPUP – EpiUnit/ITR). She holds a PhD in Public Health from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto and is the Principal Investigator of the BRIDGE-MH project (2024.15502.PEX), which focuses on the evaluation of mental health promotion programmes in higher education.