Factual questions in a questionnaire are designed to collect objective data about individuals, events, or situations that can ideally be independently verified and have definitive right or wrong answers. They aim to categorize and quantify information.
In simpler terms, factual questions seek concrete, verifiable information. Here's a breakdown:
- Purpose: To gather data for classification and measurement.
- Verifiability: Responses can theoretically be checked against external sources.
- Objectivity: Aim to avoid subjective opinions or feelings.
Here are some characteristics of factual questions:
- Focus on Objective Information: They relate to verifiable facts rather than personal opinions or attitudes.
- Clear and Unambiguous: They are worded in a way that leaves little room for misinterpretation.
- Direct and Specific: They ask for precise information related to the topic.
Examples of factual questions include:
- What is your age in years?
- What is your highest level of education completed?
- What is your annual income before taxes?
- Have you ever been diagnosed with diabetes by a doctor?
- How many employees are there in your company?
- What year did you graduate high school?
Here's a comparison of factual vs. opinion-based questions:
| Feature | Factual Questions | Opinion-Based Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Collect verifiable data | Gather subjective perspectives |
| Answers | Right/wrong answers (ideally) | No right/wrong answers; reflects personal beliefs |
| Examples | "What year was the company founded?" | "How satisfied are you with our company's customer service?" |
In summary, factual questions in questionnaires are crucial for gathering quantifiable, objective data that can be used for analysis and reporting. They focus on verifiable information and aim to avoid subjective interpretations.
