Part 1: Pre-test Questionnaires

Why is the pre-test questionnaire important?

A questionnaire is a research instrument that consists of a series of questions designed to gather valuable information from participants. These tools can include written or spoken questions and are typically formatted like an interview. Questionnaires can be either qualitative or quantitative and can be administered through various means, such as online, telephone, paper, or face-to-face, without the presence of a researcher.

Questionnaires can use either open-ended or closed-ended questions or a combination of both. It is advisable to pre-test the questionnaire before conducting the actual research.

Instructions:

• Why is it crucial to pre-test a questionnaire before using it in research?
• Are there any circumstances where pre-testing may not be necessary?
• What are some common issues that may arise when using a questionnaire in research, and how can pre-testing help to address these issues? Provide examples.

Part 2: A Case Study: A Sound Approach for the Sound (Focus Group)

Focus groups are structured group discussions led by a trained facilitator that aim to gather insights on a specific topic and inform future decision-making. What sets focus groups apart from regular groups is their clear focus on a designated topic, the presence of a trained leader, and an atmosphere that encourages open discussion and exchange of opinions among group members.

Read Case 7.1 "A Sound Approach For the Sound," found in Chapter 7 of the textbook.

After completing the reading and becoming acquainted with the case, please provide your answers to the following questions:

• What advantages and drawbacks do focus groups have?
• Based on the research that was carried out, could this research have been exclusively conducted using focus groups? Why or why not?
• Was the quantitative study that was conducted necessary, in your view? Please justify your answer.
• Considering that the quantitative study revealed no significant difference regarding the impact of location or intervention, would you consider the research to be a failure? Please explain your answer.
• If you were an executive at the Puget Sound Partnership, would you suggest any additional research? If so, what would it be?