Final answer:
The placement of demographic data in a questionnaire should consider the survey's objectives and respondent comfort. Generally, demographic questions at the end can keep respondents engaged, but early placement may be necessary for criteria-based selection in some survey methods.
Step-by-step explanation:
Whether demographic data should be placed at the end of a questionnaire largely depends on the survey's objectives and design. From a practical standpoint, placing demographic questions at the end can help ensure that respondents stay engaged with the survey without feeling intruded upon by personal questions right at the beginning. This strategy can be particularly effective in instances where more sensitive or complex questions are involved, as respondents might be more willing to provide such personal information after completing the main section of the survey. However, in some cases, such as random-digit-dialing (RDD) or certain types of polling, demographic questions may be asked early to quickly establish whether the respondent falls into the target demographic for the survey. Therefore, while there is no one-size-fits-all answer, considering respondent comfort and the purpose of the demographic data within the survey's overall aim is essential.