How to Write Good Survey Questions

1. Keep it clear and concise
   Use direct, simple and plain language that is easy to understand. Avoid complex sentence structures and technical jargon. Make sure the question is short enough to read and comprehend quickly.
2. Use appropriate language and tone
   Use language and a tone that is appropriate for your audience. Make sure the language is appropriate for the subject matter, and avoid using overly formal or casual language.
3. Use appropriate question formats
   Choose a question format that is appropriate for the type of information you are trying to collect. Closed-ended questions (such as multiple choice questions or Likert scale questions) are useful for collecting quantitative data, while open-ended questions are better for collecting qualitative data. Mix of open and closed questions for more comprehensive data:
   One effective way to gather both quantitative and qualitative data is by combining closed and open-ended questions in the same survey. While closed questions provide quick, easily analyzable responses, open-ended questions allow respondents to share individual opinions and perspectives, offering deeper insights into the survey topics.

   Our Tip:
   Use semi-open questions to provide respondents with clear answer choices while also giving them the option to add additional details. This approach allows you to gather a broad data set for more in-depth analysis.

4. Avoid common mistakes
   To ensure accurate data and valuable insights, it is crucial to avoid mistakes when writing good survey questions. By following best practices such as defining the research question, choosing appropriate question types, pilot testing the survey, and ensuring confidentiality and anonymity, researchers can create effective survey questions that yield valuable insights.

   Preventing response bias through precise wording:
   One of the biggest challenges when designing surveys is avoiding response bias. This often occurs due to suggestive wording or ambiguous questions that may lead respondents to give specific answers. To obtain unbiased and meaningful data, survey questions should always be formulated in a neutral and precise manner.

   Our Tip:
   Avoid influencing unconscious opinions or expectations through the wording of your questions. For example, instead of asking “How good did you find our customer service?” a more neutral phrasing would be “How satisfied are you with our customer service?”.

By following these general tips, you can ensure that your survey questions are clear, unbiased, and effective in collecting the information you need. Remember to pilot test your survey questions before sending out the survey to ensure that they are well-received and understood by your target audience.

How to write good survey questions step by step

Writing effective questions is an important aspect of creating a successful survey. This will ensure you get reliable and accurate data. Below are some steps to follow when writing survey questions:

1. Define the research question
   The first step in creating a successful survey is to define the research question which will help you determine what information you need to collect and how to structure your questions. It aligns with the purpose of the survey and the target audience. Once you have a clear research question, you can move on to the next step.
2. Determine the type of question
   There are different types of survey questions, including closed-ended, open-ended, Likert scale, and rating scale questions. Each type of question is used to collect different types of data. Closed-ended questions are used to collect quantitative data, while open-ended questions are used to collect qualitative data. Likert scale questions are used to measure attitudes and opinions, and rating scale questions are used to rate or rank items. Consider the type of data you need to collect and choose the appropriate question type.
3. Write the question
   When writing survey questions, it’s essential to keep the questions short and simple to avoid confusion or misunderstandings. Use straightforward language and avoid using technical jargon or complex terminology that the target audience might not understand. The questions should be relevant to the research question and the purpose of the survey.
4. Include response options
   If you are asking closed-ended questions, provide response options that are relevant to the question. Use mutually exclusive and exhaustive response options to ensure that each respondent can select an appropriate response. The response options should cover all possible answers and not overlap with other response options. Use a balanced scale, such as a five-point scale, to avoid skewing the results.
5. Consider the order of questions
   Arrange the questions in a logical order, starting with general questions and moving toward more specific questions. This will help respondents feel more comfortable and engaged with the survey. Start with easy, non-threatening questions and progress to more sensitive or personal ones. Consider the flow of the survey and how the questions are related to each other.

   Additional tips for question flow:
   A well-designed questionnaire should have a clear logical structure, not just in terms of content but also in its overall flow. By introducing thematic transitions and establishing clear connections between questions, you can ensure that respondents understand the context of each question. This not only enhances the quality of the data but also boosts participants’ motivation to complete the survey.

   Our Tip:
   Use transition questions to bridge larger thematic shifts within the survey. These questions help participants smoothly transition from one topic to the next, enhancing the coherence of the questionnaire.

6. Keep the survey short and concise
   Respondents are more likely to complete the survey if it is short and concise. Avoid asking too many questions or questions that are not relevant to the research question. Consider using skip logic or branching to customize the survey experience for each respondent and reduce the number of questions asked.
7. Consider the language and tone
   Use clear and concise language that is easy to understand. Avoid using technical jargon or complex terminology that the target audience might not understand. Use a tone that is appropriate for the target audience and aligns with the purpose of the survey. The tone should be professional and respectful.
8. Use visual aids
   Incorporate visual aids such as images, diagrams, or charts to help respondents understand complex questions or concepts. This can also make the survey more engaging and interesting for respondents.
9. Pre-Test the questionnaire with a pilot study
   Before sending your survey to a larger participant group, you should test the questionnaire with a pilot study. This helps to identify potential misunderstandings in the question wording and ensures that respondents understand the questions as intended. A well-conducted pilot study can also help determine the optimal length of the questionnaire.

   Our Tip:
   Conduct your pilot study with a smaller, representative group. Analyze the feedback and refine the questionnaire before the official launch to maximize data quality.

10. Ensure confidentiality and anonymity
    Assure respondents that their responses will remain confidential and anonymous to encourage honest and truthful answers. Provide a privacy statement at the beginning of the survey that explains how the data will be used and who will have access to it. Assure respondents that their answers will not be linked to their personal information.
11. Analyze the results
    Once the survey is complete, analyze the results to gain insights into the research question. Use the data to inform decision-making, improve products or services, or advance research objectives. Make sure to analyze the data in a way that is appropriate for the research question and the type of data collected.

Survey question examples

To make sure that your survey questions are effective, it can be helpful to use examples of well-crafted survey questions as a guide. These examples can help you understand the different types of questions, how to structure them, and how to avoid common pitfalls. By using examples of effective survey questions, you can improve the quality of your survey and increase the accuracy of the data you collect.

1. Examples of demographic questions:
   

   What is your age?
   What is your gender?
   What is your highest level of education completed?

2. Examples of closed-ended questions:
   

   Have you purchased our product in the last 6 months? (yes/no)
   On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with our customer service?
   Which of the following best describes your current employment status? (full-time, part-time, unemployed, student, retired)

3. Examples of open-ended questions:
   

   What are your thoughts on our new product?
   How can we improve our customer service?
   Please describe your experience with our company.

4. Examples of Likert scale questions:
   

   I am satisfied with the quality of our product:
   Strongly agree/Agree/Neutral/Disagree/Strongly disagree
   How likely are you to recommend our company to a friend?:
   Very likely/Somewhat likely/Neither likely nor unlikely/Somewhat unlikely/Very unlikely

5. Examples of rating scale questions:
   

   On a scale of 1-10, how likely are you to purchase our product again?
   On a scale of 1-5, how important is customer service to you when making a purchase?
   On a scale of 1-7, how easy was it to navigate our website?

Avoiding Mistakes in writing survey questions

Writing survey questions can be a challenging task, and even experienced researchers can make mistakes. Poorly written survey questions can lead to inaccurate data and misleading results, ultimately wasting time and resources. To avoid these mistakes, it is essential to understand the common pitfalls in writing survey questions. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Leading Questions
   Leading questions are those that are worded in a way that prompts the respondent to give a specific answer. These questions can bias the results and invalidate the survey. Survey questions should be written in a neutral tone and avoid words or phrases that could influence the respondent’s answer.
2. Ambiguity
   Ambiguous survey questions can lead to confusion among respondents and ultimately to inaccurate results. Questions should be clear and straightforward, avoiding vague language or double negatives.
3. Lengthy Questions
   Long and complicated questions can be overwhelming for respondents and result in incomplete or inaccurate data. Questions should be short and to the point, with clear and concise language.
4. Lack of Specificity
   Questions should be specific and targeted, focusing on one idea or topic at a time. Lack of specificity can lead to vague and unhelpful data.
5. Confusing Layout
   The layout of the survey can also impact the accuracy of the results. The questions should be arranged in a logical order, with clear headings and instructions.
6. Avoid assumptions
   It’s essential to avoid making assumptions about the respondent’s knowledge or experience. For example, “How often do you use our product?” assumes that the respondent is already using the product. Instead, ask, “Have you used our product before?”

The 10 Commandments of Question Formulation by Porst

Rolf Porst, a German social scientist and expert in survey research, developed the “10 Commandments of Question Formulation.” These guidelines are a valuable tool for crafting survey questions that are clear, precise, and free from bias, helping you collect reliable data:

• Use simple, unambiguous terms: Ensure that all respondents interpret the questions in the same way.
• Avoid long and complex questions: Keep questions concise and easy to understand.
• Do not ask hypothetical questions: Avoid scenarios that may overwhelm respondents.
• Avoid double stimuli and negations: Formulate questions clearly without unnecessary complexity.
• Do not ask suggestive or leading questions: Avoid steering respondents toward a particular answer.
• Only ask for information respondents possess: Ensure the questions are within the respondents’ knowledge.
• Provide a clear time reference: Make sure respondents know the time frame you’re asking about.
• Use exhaustive and mutually exclusive answer categories: Answer options should cover all possibilities and not overlap.
• Ensure the context doesn’t influence responses: The context of the question should not unconsciously affect the answer.
• Clarify unclear terms: Make sure complex or specialized terms are explained.

Conclusion of writing good survey questions

In conclusion, writing good survey questions is essential to obtain reliable and meaningful data. To ensure that the survey objectives are met, the questions should be relevant, easy to understand, unbiased, and organized logically. Additionally, avoiding common mistakes such as ambiguity, assumptions or confusing layouts can improve the accuracy of the results. By following best practices and investing time and effort in writing high-quality surveys, researchers and organizations can gain valuable insights that can inform decision-making and help achieve their goals.

FAQ on writing good survey questions