Using a Questionnaire to Determine Children’s Attitudes to, Knowledge of and Use of Sports Drinks

Abstract

This case study is designed to aid those new to research involving children, using a questionnaire as a data collection tool. It is based on more than 50 years of supervisory experience of two researchers with an interest in public and oral health. While the case study focuses on sports drink consumption of secondary school children, it can be used by anyone interested in studying other food/drink habits, attitudes and/or motivations to, or knowledge of foods. The case study takes a pragmatic and realistic approach to research, allowing the reader to avoid many of the common pitfalls associated with poor planning and communication during the research process. The initial development of a research topic is outlined, concentrating on the ethical issues associated with using children in research and the need for careful planning and time management. Some useful tools are included in the case study to aid the researcher, including a flowchart of the whole process to set the context and the use of a Gantt chart to aid time management. The development of the questionnaire focuses on the establishment of strong and measurable aims and objectives and stresses the importance of isolating the key issues and items involved in the study and the need to pilot the questionnaire prior to data collection. Types of study design and schools as a setting for research are reviewed together with helpful tips on how to ensure your project runs smoothly and achieves robust and valid results. The case study concludes with suggestions on how to disseminate high-quality research findings to inform public health policy and improve public understanding of a topic.