Tips for Writing Effective Questions in a Survey
In a survey, the usability of the answers is directly affected by how well you create your questions. Therefore, it is really important to know how to write effective questions while you are designing a questionnaire. Here are the rules for writing good questions.
1. Stick to the purpose of your survey.
Collecting data is the purpose of a survey. The data collected is usually used in research. It aids one to find the areas that need improvement, and the data collected is usually used in research. You have a reason to spend your time and energy on your survey, so you should ensure that all the questions in the survey support that reason.
2. Discard the question if you are in doubt
The questions must result concrete research benefit. If you think that you cannot gain this benefit from the question, don’t use it in your survey.
3. Keep your questions simple
Try to avoid using complex sentences. Otherwise, the respondents will have a lot of information in their heads and they will get confused. This may lead to unpredictable results.
4. Avoid using vague statements.
Your questions must be focused. Do not ask general questions. For example, your want to learn when the respondents last went to a cinema; do not ask “When did you last watch a movie?” You might get answers that refer to the movies that they watched at home. Be more specific and ask when they last watched a movie at the cinema.
5. Questions should be clear.
Sometimes, the questions in a survey can be misinterpreted by the respondents. Try to be clear and concise as much as possible while writing questions. Also, try to avoid double negatives, it may result in misunderstandings.
6. Ask only one topic per question.
Do not combine two different aspects in one question. You need specific questions for a better survey results.
7. Avoid leading questions
Avoid writing a question that the respondent believes has a "right" answer. Questions including “Do you agree…” should be carefully designed. The respondents will give the expected answer rather than what they really think. However, leading questions can be used to prejudice results.
8. Find alternative ways to ask sensitive questions
Some questions like drug or alcohol consumption are sensitive. Respondents might be irritated and unwilling to admit that they use alcohol or drugs. This type of questions must be asked carefully to avoid this situation.