The role of the questionnaire in survey design

The modern statistical survey is an effective method of meeting the ever-increasing demand for timely and accurate data. One important component of the statistical survey is the questionnaire. This article discusses the role of the questionnaire in meeting the needs of users, the relationship of the questionnaire to the other components of survey design, and the effect of the questionnaire on the quality of survey data. The importance of viewing the questionnaire as an integral part of the total survey design is stressed.