What is a survey questionnaire designed to do?

A survey questionnaire is primarily designed to provide structured questions that facilitate standardized information collection. This structured approach is essential for various reasons within criminal justice research methods. It allows for the collection of quantitative data that can be easily analyzed using statistical methods. By providing a consistent format for responses, researchers can ensure that data is comparable across different respondents and contexts.

Structured questions often include multiple-choice answers, Likert scales, or dichotomous questions (yes/no), which streamline the response process for participants and enable researchers to gather specific information efficiently. This standardization is crucial when seeking to identify trends, patterns, or correlations within a population, making it easier to draw conclusions and make informed decisions based on the collected data.

Overall, the design of a survey questionnaire centered on structured questions enhances the reliability and validity of the research findings, contributing significantly to the body of knowledge within the criminal justice field.