Technical Writing For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Chapter 11

Generating Questionnaires

IN THIS CHAPTER

Knowing the difference between questionnaires and surveys

Understanding the types of questionnaires and their advantages

Using distribution channels

Designing the form

Choosing the types of questions to ask

Everything we know has its origin in questions. Questions, we might say, are the principal intellectual instruments available to human beings.

—NEIL POSTMAN, AUTHOR, EDUCATOR, MEDIA THEORIST AND CULTURAL CRITIC

I never thought much about questionnaires until I started writing the second edition of this book and decided to explore their origin. Rev. Jeremiah Milles (1714-1784) was President of the Society of Antiquarians and Dean of Exeter. As part of his research, he pioneered research questionnaires, which resulted in the “Dean of Milles’ Questionnaires.” The 120 numbered questions were detailed and varied. They provided rich sources of historical information about the history of parishes in Devon.

They were ultimately bound ...