Research DesignBack

The target population of this survey was defined as the principals of all local secondary schools excluding the international schools. No sampling was required.

This study was conducted by self-administered paper questionnaire, returned by the principals via mail or fax. The data collection period started from 1 June and ended on 17 June, 2009. A total of 113 questionnaires were received via fax. Amongst them, 112 cases were considered valid. The response rate of this survey was 23.2%, with a standard error of sampling of no more than 4.1%, had it been a representative survey (Table 1).

Table 1. Contact information of the survey

Successful Cases	Distributed Questionnaires	Response rate*	Standard Error**
112	483	23.2%	4.1%

* Response rate is calculated as the number of successful cases divided by the number of distributed questionnaires.
** Calculated as if these are random sample surveys.