How to Create a Dissertation Questionnaire (With Examples)
Creating a well-structured dissertation questionnaire is a critical step in collecting reliable data for your research. A poorly designed questionnaire can lead to biased responses, unclear findings, and weak conclusions. On the other hand, a carefully planned questionnaire strengthens your methodology and improves the overall credibility of your dissertation.
This guide explains how to create a dissertation questionnaire step by step, along with practical examples and common mistakes to avoid.
What Is a Dissertation Questionnaire?
A dissertation questionnaire is a research instrument used to collect primary data from respondents. It usually consists of structured or semi-structured questions designed to answer your research objectives.
Questionnaires are commonly used in social sciences, business, education, healthcare, and management research because they allow researchers to collect data efficiently from a large sample.
If you’re still at an early stage of your research, reading What is Dissertation: Everything You Need To Know can help you understand where questionnaires fit within the overall dissertation structure.
Why Is a Questionnaire Important in Dissertation Research?
A well-designed questionnaire helps you:
Collect consistent and measurable data
Reduce researcher bias
Align responses with research objectives
Support statistical and thematic analysis
Your questionnaire must directly align with your research methodology. If you’re unsure about this alignment, you may find it helpful to revisit The Ultimate Guide On How To Write Methodology For Dissertation before finalising your questions.
Types of Dissertation Questionnaires
1. Closed-Ended Questionnaires
These include fixed response options such as multiple-choice, Likert scales, or yes/no questions.
They are ideal for quantitative research.
Example:
On a scale of 1–5, how satisfied are you with online learning resources?
2. Open-Ended Questionnaires
These allow respondents to answer in their own words and are commonly used in qualitative research.
Example:
What challenges have you faced while completing your dissertation?
3. Mixed-Method Questionnaires
These combine both closed-ended and open-ended questions and are widely used in postgraduate and PhD research.
If you are working on advanced-level research, you can also explore PhD Dissertation: A Comprehensive Guide to understand how questionnaires differ at doctoral level.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Dissertation Questionnaire
Step 1: Define Your Research Objectives
Before writing any questions, clearly define what you want to measure. Every question should directly link to your research objectives.
If you’re still refining your research focus, resources like Top Dissertation Topics & Ideas in 2025 can help you narrow down a clear direction.
Step 2: Choose the Right Question Type
Decide whether your research requires:
Quantitative data (numbers, statistics)
Qualitative data (opinions, experiences)
Or a mix of both
Avoid unnecessary question formats that do not contribute to your research aims.
Step 3: Write Clear and Unbiased Questions
Your questions should be:
Simple and specific
Free from technical jargon
Neutral in tone
Poor example:
Don’t you think online classes are ineffective?
Improved example:
How effective do you find online classes for learning?
Step 4: Organise Questions Logically
Structure your questionnaire in a logical order:
Introduction and consent
General questions
Specific research questions
Demographic questions (placed at the end)
This improves response accuracy and completion rates.
Step 5: Pilot Test Your Questionnaire
Before final submission, test your questionnaire with a small group. This helps identify:
Ambiguous questions
Length issues
Technical errors
According to the UK Data Service, pilot testing improves the reliability of survey-based research.
Dissertation Questionnaire Examples
Example 1: Business Dissertation
Topic: Employee motivation and productivity
How motivated do you feel at work? (1–5 scale)
What factors influence your motivation the most? (open-ended)
If you’re working on management research, topic lists such as Top MBA Dissertation Topic Ideas for Students can help align your questionnaire with industry-focused research.
Example 2: Education Dissertation
Topic: Online learning effectiveness
How often do you attend online lectures?
What challenges do you face in online learning?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Asking leading or double-barrelled questions
Making the questionnaire too long
Ignoring ethical consent
Collecting irrelevant demographic data
To ensure academic credibility, many researchers refer to survey design principles published by Harvard University’s Program on Survey Research.
Ethical Considerations in Dissertation Questionnaires
Your questionnaire must:
Include informed consent
Protect participant anonymity
Follow institutional research ethics guidelines
For internationally accepted standards, you can refer to The British Educational Research Association (BERA) ethical guidelines.
FAQs
How many questions should a dissertation questionnaire have?
There is no fixed number, but most questionnaires contain 10–30 questions, depending on the research scope.
Can I use online tools for dissertation questionnaires?
Yes, tools like Google Forms and institutional survey platforms are commonly accepted.
Do all dissertations require a questionnaire?
No. Questionnaires are mainly used for primary data collection. Some dissertations rely entirely on secondary data.
Conclusion
Creating a strong dissertation questionnaire requires clarity, structure, and alignment with your research objectives. By selecting appropriate question types, testing your questionnaire, and following ethical guidelines, you can collect high-quality data that strengthens your dissertation findings.
