Research Methods in Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management

Checklists and prompt cards

Prompt cards can be used to suggest a wide range of possible answers. They indicate

the appropriate frame of reference and help the respondent to think of other

possibilities. This may sound like coercion, and indeed an interviewer may

unknowingly put stress or a pleasant intonation on some items if she has to read out

the list. However, prompt cards can be handed to the respondent with a question such

as:

Please look at this list. Which of the activities mentioned have you undertaken

today?

Nature trail

Guided walk

Self-guided walk

Bird hide

Thus, prompt cards are meant as reminders and not arm-twisters.

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When compiling a checklist, only use comparable items. Clear instructions should

say if only one item or all relevant items can be recorded. Furthermore, you must be

consistent as to whether the interviewer or the respondent reads the list.