What is the main purpose of using questionnaires in research?

The main purpose of using questionnaires in research is to gather data from respondents about their attitudes and behaviors. Questionnaires are designed to capture the perceptions, feelings, and experiences of individuals regarding various topics, allowing researchers to obtain valuable qualitative and quantitative insights. By directly asking participants about their thoughts and opinions, researchers can analyze these responses to understand trends, preferences, and correlations within a given population.

This method of data collection is particularly effective for understanding subjective aspects, such as opinions and emotions, which are often harder to quantify through other means. It allows researchers to create a structured approach to data collection, ensuring consistency in the information gathered from respondents.

The other aspects mentioned, like collecting data on specific variables, can indeed be a result of the responses obtained through questionnaires, but they do not capture the primary intent, which focuses on attitudes and behaviors. Analyzing existing research studies and assessing the credibility of sources are activities that fall outside the scope of what a questionnaire directly aims to accomplish.