Web Analytics Philippines

Survey is an art. Every detail matters – from the civility of the survey invitation, to the type and sequencing of questions being asked, to the wordings of the choices, to the acknowledgement of the respondents. Thoroughness in composing a questionnaire takes more effort, even after planning to survey.

The Invitation

• One way to start the survey could be by stating “you have been randomly selected…” Be careful in using words like this. Saying “I choose/pick, etc. …” for a start already gives the impression of your would-be-results to be biased.
• ALWAYS state the purpose of your survey. Would you, yourself, dare answer some paper without knowing what it is for? A short introduction at the top of the page would do. It serves like the direction before answering your final exam.
• If your survey requires answerers to indicate their name then you should follow the ethics for survey research which specifies that respondent profiles must be kept confidential. Publishing of names of respondents is ground for breach of contract.
• Be respectful. If some do not wish to participate in answering or completing the questionnaire then you should regard their decision. Resending surveys to those who’ve unsubscribed to your list, and/or insisting them to finish the survey, is plainly annoying.

The Questions

• Make the survey visually appealing. Use readable font.
• Never ask leading questions. Subtly prompting respondents to answer in a particular way results in false or slanted information. Avoid assumptions in the inquiry itself - answers should be on the choices not the questions.
• Use simple language. Highfaluting words are for novels and narratives. Surveys use words which are easy to understand.
• Write short questions – clear and direct to the point. Make sure your thoughts are pieced together. Consider one concept per question to prevent confusing your respondents.
• Group similar questions so that the survey is easy to follow.
• In using words like “will,” “may,” “might” or “could” which may be time-related, remember to specify your time frame.

The Choices

• Wordings of choices should be consistent. Scalar options are more likely paired. A five-scaled choices example would be (a)Very Satisfactory, (b)Satisfactory (c)Neutral, (d)Unsatisfactory and (e)Very Unsatisfactory.
• For non-scalar choices, provide a “Other (Please Specify)” because more likely, not all your respondents would pick what is laid in front of them. If choices to “What is your favorite fruit” are only apple, grape, and banana but your buyer’s real favorite is mango, and then which option box should he check?

Don’t forget to thank the respondent after finishing the questionnaire. Take note that a few small mistakes in these could affect the attitudes and decisions of people being studied. Research more on how to write surveys. Double check or consult someone about your paper before actually sending it out. There are lots of resources you can find in doing so. Don’t limit yourself!