English for Academic and Professional Purposes Group 3

Writing a Survey Report

A Survey is a general view, examination, or description of someone or something. Surveys are one of the

most cost-effective ways of collecting data from current or prospective users.

Designing a Survey Questionnaire

 Questionnaire Formatting – the general format of the questionnaire is easy to overlook, yet it is something

that is just as important as the wording of the questions asked.

 Formatting Individual Questions – respondents are expected to check one response from a series of

responses. There may be a square or circle to each response for the respondent to check or fill in, or the

respondent might be instructed to circle their response.

 Question Wording – the wording of the questions and response options in a questionnaire is very important.

Asking a question with the slightest difference in wording could result in a different answer or could cause the

respondent to misinterpret the question.

 Ordering Items in a Question – this can be hard and nearly impossible to do with each question; the

researchers can try to estimate what the various effects of different question orders would be and choose the

ordering with the smallest effect.

 Questionnaire Instructions – Every questionnaire, no matter how it is administrated, should contain very

clear instructions as well as introductory comments when appropriate.

 Test Survey Questionnaire – A draft questionnaire cannot be used in interviews or with respondents to

determine whether it will be useful or not. The draft questionnaire was created by just one or two minds, even

after the researcher moved forward in the manner advised.

 Revise Survey Questionnaire – during revising, the rough draft is evaluated for the larger issues of general

content, and tone by adding, deleting, and organizing information as necessary.