Research Methods

Tips for developing an effective survey question:

• Keep them clear, simple, and applicable.
• Address one issue at a time.
• Do not ask too difficult of questions.

Formats which can be combined in a survey.

1. Forced (close-ended)
2. Open-Ended

Question order:

• Start and end with easy questions.
• Think about the logic flow between questions to collect good results.

Additional recommendations:

• Send an invitation. A survey invitation letter or email should include 1-2 sentences describing the survey purpose or goal.
• Include a disclosure:
  • Survey length
  • Ensure response confidentiality
  • Ensure voluntary participation
  • Provide contact information for participants to ask questions
• Pretest your survey. Before administrating a survey, test it in advance to determine its effectiveness.