Be Specific
Formulate questions that focus on particular details to obtain accurate and clear responses.
Keep Questions Clear and Simple
Use straightforward language to ensure respondents easily understand the questions.
Use First-Person Perspective
Frame questions using “I” or “my” to make respondents feel more connected and engaged.
Use Neutral Language
Avoid emotionally charged or biased wording to ensure impartiality in responses.
Offer Balanced Answer Choices and Provide Alternative Answers
Present a range of answer options that fairly represent all possible views, including “Other” or “Not Applicable.”
Use Closed-Ended Questions for Quantitative Data
Employ yes/no or multiple-choice questions to gather measurable data.
Include Open-Ended Questions for Qualitative Insights
Allow respondents to provide detailed, narrative answers for deeper understanding.
Organize with Logical Flow
Arrange questions in a coherent sequence to facilitate a natural progression of thought.
Provide Clear Instructions and Deadline for Data Collection
Let respondents know how long the survey will take, how to complete it, and by when it should be submitted. Transparency builds trust and boosts completion.
Be Mindful of Length
Keep the survey brief to enhance respondent engagement and improve completion rates.
Ensure Accessibility and Inclusivity
Create surveys that are easy for everyone to use, including people with disabilities, by using clear fonts and sufficient color contrast. Avoid cultural assumptions and ensure questions apply to diverse audiences.
Keep Rating Scales Consistent
Use the same rating scale throughout the survey to avoid confusion and ensure reliability.
Limit Required Questions
Minimize the number of mandatory questions to reduce pressure and encourage completion.
Incorporate Visual Communication
Use images, icons, or graphs to enhance understanding and make the survey more engaging.
Pilot Test Before Launch
Conduct a trial run with a small test group to identify unclear wordings, technical issues and refine questions.
Plan Reminders and Use Incentives
Schedule reminders and offer incentives to boost response rates and encourage timely participation.
Ensure Data Privacy and Confidentiality
Inform respondents how their data will be used and stored. Assure them of confidentiality to encourage honest responses.
Avoid Leading, Loaded, and Hypothetical Questions
Eliminate questions that may bias responses or require respondents to speculate about future actions. Keep them factual and straightforward.
Avoid Biased or Emotional Language
Use neutral language that does not sway respondents' opinions or feelings.
Avoid Double-Barreled and Redundant Questions
Ensure each question addresses only one topic to avoid confusion and unnecessary repetition.
Avoid Assumptive and Vague Questions
Phrase questions in a way that does not make unwarranted assumptions about respondents’ situations or experiences. Also, replace vague words like “regularly” or “often” with specific timeframes.
Avoid Excessive Survey Length
Long or repetitive surveys cause fatigue and incomplete responses. Keep surveys concise and focused, and only include questions essential to your objectives.
Avoid Questions Without a "Prefer Not to Answer" or "Not Applicable" Option
For sensitive or irrelevant questions, always provide an opt-out option so respondents don’t feel forced into inaccurate answers.