3 Tips: How to Write a Good Survey or Poll Question

3 Tips: How to Write a Good Survey or Poll Question

Taking your time to write a good Survey or Poll question is vital to any research project. I have responded to many surveys and polls over the last 15(+) years and I can very easily pinpoint some clear issues. So, today I would like to share my 3 Tips on how to write a good Survey or Poll question to maximize your research goals.

Clearly Define your Objective

• Sometimes an unclear understanding of your research objective can lead to ineffective questions. Understanding the purpose of your research study is critical. It can define your approach to asking effective questions to your sample population and hopefully yield some great results to analyze.

Ask Questions the Right Way

• What I am suggesting here is to limit the common mistake of asking more than one question within a question. This is known as double-barrel questioning which can confuse your respondent. You should avoid the questions that touch on more than one issue at a time. Perhaps, seperating questions is the best alternative.

Pilot Test your Survey or Poll Question

• Pilot testing your survey or poll question(s) around the office or with friends and family is a great exercise. It can really help you develop the best question with limiting bias or interpreation issues.

Click Here to see an example of a Poll Project within our FactFinder Solution.