Questionnaire

Questionnaires are data-gathering instrument used to collect data beyond the physical vision of the researcher in order to explore deep data within minds, attitudes, feelings, experiences, knowledge, and opinions of participants. A questionnaire differs from an interview, as it is a more impersonal probe. That is, the respondents answer the questionnaire anonymously without the influence of the researcher (Sekaran, 2000).

Saunders et al. (1997, p.244) argued that the questionnaire survey is often the only way available for developing a representative picture of the attitudes and characteristics of a large population. A questionnaire is a similar to a structured interview and is an essentially written set of questions that a pre-formulated to which the respondents record their answers (Sekaran, 1992).

This view is shared with others such as Oates (2006) who defines questionnaires as “…A pre-defined set of questions assembled in a pre-determined order” (Oates, 2006, p.219). It is commonly used in quantitative research to obtain numeric data and to gain opinions in a structured manner (Ajetunmobi, 2002).

It is also argued that the main aim of using a questionnaires contain analysis of patterns and possible comparisons, it can also be accomplished in various ways, either in person or by mail or electronically to a wide geographical range with the benefit of low cost (Walliman, 2005; Sekaran, 1992, p.200). However, the views expressed by these authors on costs can be inaccurate since even with a questionnaire there are costs associated for example with the promotion of the questionnaire, sometimes the increased need for incentives to motivate participations such as random survey winners and monetary rewards for anyone who completes the questionnaire. It is important to avoid being unreliable with a large sample and this also could improve the statistically considerable results (Bell 1993), although this study is not positivist in nature and statistical validity is not considered essential, questionnaire data will be used to provide context to the analysis.

The questionnaire was selected in this research to obtain data on perceptions towards OA, OA policy requirements, organisational recourses and tensions in regards to implementing OA policy. It was issued to academic staff in order to obtain a descriptive and general picture of differences in the respondents’ views over a large sample population. This questionnaire was adopted to answer research questions, Q1: What are the perceptions of stakeholders in respect of OA in PAAET? and Q2: What factors affect the readiness of OA policy implementation?, that also reflects of objectives 2 and 3 (Chapter 1). Therefore, the self-completed questionnaire was designed based on an extensive literature review.

Two types of questions that can be used in questionnaires are similar to interviews: close- ended questions and open-ended questions (Sekaran, 1992, p.190).

• Closed- ended questions

In closed-ended questions, respondents to the questionnaire respond to an offered set of answers to the questions provided (Frankfort-Nachmias and Nachmias, 1992, p.242). The main advantages of closed-ended questions are: it is easy to compare answers from different respondents; the answers are simple to codify and analyse statistically; the choices of response can clarify the meaning of questions for respondents; respondents are likely to offer an answer even when topics are sensitive; there are fewer irrelevant or confused answers to questions; and duplication is easier (Frankfort-Nachmias and Nachmias, 1992, p.242; Neuman, 2004, p.178). On the other hand, the main disadvantages of closed questions are: Closed questions force the respondent to choose from a range of answers that have been pre-defined and if the desired answer is not available the respondent may get discouraged (Oates, 2006, p.222), in other words, respondents are forced to respond or make selections from answers that they might not select in reality (Frankfort-Nachmias and Nachmias, 1992, p.242; Neuman, 2004, p.178).

• Questionnaire’s Closed-ended questions “Advantages and Disadvantages”

Advantages Disadvantages This Research

Easy comparison between different respondents answers.

Respondents can feel discouraged to respond because the desired answer is not among the choices provided.

Academics are pressed for time and are likely to reply using the closed ended questions more than the open ended- questions. Answers are easily analysed

statistically and simple to codify.

Some respondents might not have an opinion or knowledge of the answer but will answer anyway.

Most respondents are likely by not having an opinion and very low knowledge of the topic. The respondents can

understand the questions from the choices of answers.

Force respondents to answer or make choices from answers that they might not select in the reality.

Most respondent made

random or neutral

choices due to lack of knowledge of the topic. Respondents are comfortable

and more likely to answer

Respondents were more comfortable to answer

especially when sensitive topics are present in the research.

due to concealment of their identities.

Replicating questions is easy and Unrelated or confused answers to questions are unlikely to occur.

Table 3: Questionnaire’s Closed-ended questions “Advantages and Disadvantages” (Frankfort-Nachmias and Nachmias, 1992, p.242; Neuman, 2004, p.178), Researcher’s work modifications are italicised.

• Open- ended questions

According to Oates (2006, p.222) open-ended questions gives the respondent the liberty in what answer they want to give. Open-ended questions do not follow any kind of specified given choice of answers and the respondents' answers are recorded in full (Frankfort- Nachmias and Nachmias, 1992, p.242).

• Questionnaire’s Open-ended questions “Advantages and Disadvantages”

Advantages Disadvantages This Research

Allow an unlimited number of possible answers.

Different degrees of detail may come from different

respondents.

Very low numbers of answers were obtained from the respondents. Respondents can answer

clearly and give detailed responses.

Respondents may give incompetent and unrelated answers.

Some respondents gave incomplete answers. Respondents can express their

opinion in rich detail.

Statistical analysis and making comparisons can become difficult.

Some respondents gave unrelated answers. Complex issues and be

answered in a satisfactory

Difficulty in coding the responses.

Most respondents were unlikely to respond due

manner. to time consumption. Reveal unanticipated

findings.

Consumes respondent’s time. Most respondents were unlikely to respond due to low knowledge about the topic.

Answers require a lot of space in the questionnaire sheet.

Table 4: Questionnaire’s Open-ended questions “Advantages and Disadvantages” (Frankfort-Nachmias and Nachmias, 1992, p.242), Researcher’s work modifications are italicised.

Therefore, the questionnaire is selected as one of the data collection tools since it could cover a large number of populations within the study.

This research employed a combination of both closed and open-ended questions. Closed questions will be used to facilitate respondents’ understanding of the topics concern, and remind them of the points that they may not think about. On the other hand, open-ended questions will allow the respondents to add their comments and make suggestions on the issues included in the questionnaire.