Creating Survey Questions
Defining a Survey
A survey is a method of collecting and gathering information from a predefined group.
In the context of research, program evaluations, and quality improvement activities, a survey is a method of collecting and gathering information from a predefined group (e.g., clients from a specific program) (Anheier & Scherer, 2015).
Defining a Questionnaire
A questionnaire is a set of questions.
A questionnaire is a set of questions and is commonly used to survey information from a predefined group.
Well-Crafted Questions = Quality Data = Valuable Findings
The information gathered from the predefined group is only valuable if the survey questions were thoughtfully designed and free from common mistakes.
9 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating Survey Questions
Multi-Barreled Questions
Multi-Barreled Question Example
Overlapping Response Options
Overlapping Response Option Example
Unbalanced Response Options
Unbalanced Response Option Example
Leading Questions
Leading Question Example
Acronyms Not Defined At Least Once
Acronyms Not Defined At Least Once Example
Yes/No Response Options for Complex Questions
Yes/No Response Option for Complex Question Example
Excluding “Prefer Not to Answer” Response Options
Excluding “Prefer Not to Answer” Response Option Example
No Survey Purpose Provided
Survey Purpose Not Included Example
Using Anonymous and Confidential Interchangeably
References
Anheier, H. K., & Scherer, N. (2015). Survey research centers and companies. In J. D. Wright (Ed.), International encyclopedia of the social & behavioral sciences (2nd ed., pp. 747–751). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-097086-8.41079-2