Have a survey on the horizon? While we do not hold degrees in data analysis, we do develop our fair share of surveys and discussion questions every single week. If you’re not looking for an in-depth analysis but more of a pulse check on a certain topic, read on! Let's roll up our sleeves and dive into the fine art of phrasing survey questions that hit the bullseye. Ready to sharpen your question-writing skills? Let's do this!

Get Laser-Focused

Each question should have a clear purpose and focus. Start by defining precisely what you want to know. Are you aiming to uncover community needs, evaluate program impact, or assess organizational strengths and weaknesses? Once you've got your target in sight, craft questions that align perfectly with your objectives.

Avoid Ambiguity Like the Plague

Ambiguous questions are the bane of survey-takers everywhere. Cut through the fog with questions that leave no room for interpretation. Use concrete language and avoid vague terms that could lead to confusion. Remember, clarity is your best friend when it comes to crafting effective survey questions.

Be Specific, Not Generic

Generic questions = generic answers. Instead of asking broad, sweeping questions, get down to the nitty-gritty. Be specific about the information you're seeking and tailor your questions accordingly. Specificity not only leads to more useful data but also makes it easier for respondents to provide meaningful answers.

Bonus tip - if you can use numbers, do it! Asking respondents to rank things on a Likert scale is a favourite of ours. Consider it the “black and white” that could then be followed up with some “colour” such as “what is one specific idea you’d suggest to improve your previous ranking?”.

One Thing at a Time

Multitasking might be a valuable skill, but your survey respondents shouldn't have to do it. Keep your questions focused on one topic or concept at a time. Trying to cram multiple ideas into a single question only leads to confusion and muddies the waters. Keep it simple, one question, one focus.

Watch Your Language

No, I'm not talking about swearing (although that's generally a no-no in surveys too). Pay attention to the language you use in your questions. Avoid technical jargon or industry-specific terms that might fly over respondents' heads. Opt for language that's accessible to your target audience and reflects their everyday experiences.

Balance Openness with Structure

Striking the right balance between open-ended and closed-ended questions is like walking a tightrope. Too many closed-ended questions can limit respondents' ability to express themselves, while too many open-ended questions can overwhelm them. Aim for a mix of both to gather a diverse range of insights while still providing structure to your survey.

Pilot Test Like a Pro

Before you unleash your survey on the world, give it a test run with a select group of respondents. Pay close attention to their reactions and feedback. Are there any questions that trip them up? Any wording that seems unclear or confusing? Use their insights to fine-tune your questions and ensure your survey is firing on all cylinders.

There you have it, my survey-savvy friend: a crash course in crafting precise survey questions. Remember, the right questions can unlock a treasure trove of insights, so take your time and craft each one with care. Happy phrasing!

Need more support with your surveying efforts? We can help with that. Get in touch to discuss how Mosaic Engagement can be of service!