NCIDQ IDFX Practice Exam

What are questionnaires primarily used for in research?

1. Gathering qualitative data through interviews

2. Performing individual assessments of attendees

3. Collecting information from a large group in a structured manner

4. Documenting observed behavior through direct observation

The correct answer is: Collecting information from a large group in a structured manner

Questionnaires are primarily designed for the systematic collection of data from a large group of respondents, making option C the correct answer. This is accomplished through a structured format that allows for standardized questions, which can be answered in a consistent way by all participants. The structured nature of questionnaires facilitates the aggregation and analysis of data, making it highly effective for research purposes, especially when trying to gain insights across a broad demographic. In contrast, while qualitative data can indeed be gathered through interviews, this method is usually more unstructured and personal, relying heavily on the interviewer's skills in probing and understanding nuances. Individual assessments of attendees focus more on personal feedback and evaluations, which do not represent large groups but rather specific individuals. Documenting observed behavior through direct observation involves a different methodology where researchers observe and record interactions as they occur, rather than relying on self-reported data from participants. Each of these methods serves distinct purposes in research, but questionnaires stand out for their efficiency in collecting extensive data from a wide audience in a structured manner.