of the researcher, from knowledge gained through an examination
of relevant questionnaires in the literature, and from a Hong
Kong questionnaire.7 Some 550 questionnaires were distributed
to all teachers in 42 randomly selected schools in Ireland. The
study was carried out in the autumn term, to minimize the effects
of winter colds and upper respiratory track infections on
the voice. The distribution of the questionnaires at this time
was also to avail of voice evaluation after a period of relative
vocal rest during the summer vacation.
A pretest of the questionnaire was carried out in a pilot study
by asking 12 primary school teachers to fill in the questionnaire.
On receipt of these, a follow-up telephone call to the participants
was made to verify the answers. The aim was to perfect
the questions. The results of these questionnaires and telephone
conversations were used to modify and improve the original
questionnaire. The questionnaire responses used in the pilot
study were not included in this study.