SH1806

Looking for Answers in Data Collection

I. Creating the Effective Survey Questions

In creating survey questions, researchers must make sure that the questions are effective. There
are multitudes of ways how we can make our questionnaires understandable to our respondents.
It is important that the respondents understand each question so as to avoid any negative results.

Pre-testing the survey

Administer the survey you have formulated to a few potential respondents or even your friends
and get feedback. Have your questionnaires validated and proofread by someone, like your
teacher for grammar and content errors.

Think About How You Will Administer your Survey

Surveys can be administered via mail, phone, in-person, online, or through social media; and
there are different questionnaire considerations for each mode. If the respondent is filling out a
survey online or through social media, think about how it will look. Consider the following
points:

• Give instructions – give specific instructions to the respondents if there are any. Make
sure that your survey has clear instructions.
• Keep questionnaires short – respondents are less likely to answer long survey
questionnaires. Avoid boredom.
• Keep question order in mind – survey responses can be impacted by previous questions.
Meaning, as much as possible, each question should be related to each other.
• Have an introduction – if a respondent reads the survey, provide a title for each section.
• Start with general questions – it will warm up the respondents.
• Sensitive questions at the end – sensitive questions should best be reserved at the end
of the questionnaire. Have them warm up first by answering general questions.

Checklist for Formulating Effective Survey Questions (DeFranzo, 2011)

Use direct and simple language. Use words that can easily be understood.
Ask only one (1) question per item.
If the question causes emotional discomfort, reword the question to soften the emotional
response.
General questions should be asked first. Sensitive ones go last.
For questions about behavior or attitude, ensure all reasonable answers are included.
Questions should be as specific as possible in relation to the research objectives.
Make the question as specific as possible in terms of When, Where, and How.
Ask questions of the respondents, as they will give more accurate responses when recalling
information about themselves rather than for others.
Reference:
DeFranzo, S. (2011, October 17). Checklist for survey questionnaire design. Retrieved on July 18, 2018, from
https://www.snapsurveys.com/blog/survey-questionnaire-design-checklist-for-factual-behavioral-questions/

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