Research Methods-Planning and Evaluating Research based on a Essay

Research Methods-Planning and Evaluating Research based on a Questionnaire - Essay Example The effectiveness of the selection process relies on the amount of knowledge on the researchers’ hands concerning sampling (Cohen & Lea, 2004). The sample population should be enough to address the issue at hand and as a researcher, one should avoid biased sample sizes ensuring that the sample size is neither excessive nor small. Questionnaires can be administered and be distributed in a number of methods depending on the study’s scope. The different ways in which questionnaires can be distributed includes using postal services, telephone, electronic, and through personal administration or self-reports. All the methods used in the distribution of questionnaires as pointed out depend on the scope of the survey undertaken in terms of costs and time (Kalof & Dan et al., 2008). Administration of questionnaires to a sample in far locations is best distributed according through postal, telephone, and electronic mode. The three methods are effective in cost reduction while at the same time ensuring the researcher gets the input of respondents in far areas (Patton & Patton, 2002). However, the most effective form of distribution is through personally administered questionnaires or self-reports. This method involves the interviewer or researcher administering the questionnaires to the respondent physically. Th e physical presence of a researcher is important in the provision of guidance and clarification to respondent while at the same time ensuring they establish a rapport with their respondents (Patton & Patton, 2002). Self-reports and personally administered questionnaires yield high response rates in comparison to other modes of distribution and thus researchers should ensure they use it as a tool for research. Likert scales are important components of research especially when conducting a survey with the aid of questionnaires. The scale can be described as an ordered scale where respondents are availed with options to