Questionnaire Design Challenges in Research Methodology Courses: A Call for Educational Enhancements

Abstract

This study focuses on assessing the needs of fifth-semester students at the Faculty of Tadris and Education, Muhammad Adzim Islamic University Jambi, in the context of designing questionnaires for survey research methods. Data were gathered through observations and questionnaires, with the reliability of the instrument assessed using Cronbach's Alpha analysis (resulting in a reliability coefficient of 0.927, indicating questionnaire reliability).The study uncovered several key findings. Firstly, it was observed that the Research Methodology course allocated more time to practical data analysis and foundational research concepts, with limited time dedicated to explaining the intricacies of designing effective questionnaires. Additionally, students faced critical challenges when crafting questionnaires, including: 1) a lack of understanding in determining relevant variables, 2) difficulty in selecting appropriate measurement scales for questionnaire items, and 3) a deficiency in comprehending procedures for establishing validity and reliability. The findings suggest that students would benefit from a deeper understanding of crucial aspects such as identifying grand theories in research and selecting clear variables. Consequently, the study recommends further research, specifically the development of a "questionnaire development guide module" to address these educational gaps and enhance students' questionnaire design skills. This module could serve as a valuable resource for both students and educators, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of survey research methods and questionnaire design.