When writing survey questions, survey developers make sure their survey questions have specific characteristics. These characteristics increase the likelihood of obtaining accurate information. For example, survey developers ensure survey questions are purposeful and straightforward. Identify and explain four additional characteristics of survey questions that you believe are most critical to obtaining accurate information. Provide an example of a survey question that demonstrates each characteristic.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

• Survey questions should be unambiguous.
o All survey questions should be concrete and should clearly define the context of the question. Questions should not contain jargon or acronyms unless all respondents to a particular survey are familiar with the jargon and acronyms.
• Survey question should be written in correct syntax.
o All survey questions should be complete sentences with an orderly arrangement of words.
• Survey question should use appropriate rating scales and response options.
o Survey question rating scales should always match the type of information being requested.
• Survey question should include the appropriate categorical alternatives.
o Only when you are asking a question for which you have no idea of the possible responses, survey questions should be open ended.
• Survey question should ask one and only one question.
o Survey questions should not be double-barreled questions—questions that are actually asking two or more questions in one.
• Survey question should be written at a comfortable reading level.
o Survey questions should be written with a low readability level so that respondents will be more likely to understand and interpret questions appropriately.