Dos and Don'ts of a Survey Questionnaire

1. Dos and Don’ts
of a Survey
Questionnaire

4. Dos and Don’ts of a Survey Questionnaire
1. Should use words that have clear meaning
2. Should cover all possible options.
3. Should not ask two or more questions in one sentence.
4. Should provide an out-option.
5. Should provide appropriate time reference.
6. Should have a clear question structure.
7. Should not include personal or embarrassing questions.
8. Should avoid double negative questions.
9. Should outline instructions or directions clearly and
understandably.

5. Should use words that have
clear meaning
The questions should not
be vague and difficult to
comprehend so that the
questionnaire will not be
left unanswered.

6. Should cover all possible
options.
The respondents should be given
five ranking options at most so
that they will not be tired of
choosing from a lot of options
which do not give the choices they
are looking for. If this will not be
observed, this will lead to an
abandoned questionnaire.

7. Should not ask two or more
questions in one sentence.
The question should focus on
one topic or item at a time so
that the respondents will not
be confused with choosing
answers.

8. Should provide an out-option.
The survey should give the
respondents the option to
choose “Does not apply” or
“None” for questions they do
not feel comfortable
answering.

9. Should provide appropriate
time reference.
Respondents could not easily
recall past experiences and be
doubtful as to the exact
measurement or time they
spent.

10. Should have a clear question
structure.
Survey questionnaire should follow
three parts: the question stem,
additional instructions and
response options so that the
respondents will not be confused
what to answer or choose. This will
result in unreliable gathered data.

11. Should not include personal
or embarrassing questions.
Questions should be gender and
culture sensitive so that the
respondents may not feel awkward
or embarrassed in giving their
responses.

12. Should avoid double negative
questions.
Double negatives may occur when
respondents are asked of their
agreement on a certain issue. This
should be avoided so that the
respondents‘ response will be clear
and precise.

13. Should outline instructions
or directions clearly
and understandably.
Clear instructions will lead to
positive, appropriate, and clear
answers. If respondents are clearly
asked and told what to do, they will
also foster positive attitude towards
answering the questionnaire.

14. Dos and Don’ts of a Survey Questionnaire
1. Should use words that have clear meaning
2. Should cover all possible options.
3. Should not ask two or more questions in one sentence.
4. Should provide an out-option.
5. Should provide appropriate time reference.
6. Should have a clear question structure.
7. Should not include personal or embarrassing questions.
8. Should avoid double negative questions.
9. Should outline instructions or directions clearly and
understandably.

18. Group Activity
Write a 5 item survey questionnaire from your groups’ assigned
heading for the given topic for a report paper. (5 points for each item
question that follows the Guidelines of Effective Questions)

19. Group 1: Flow of Traffic
Group 2: Amenities/ Attractions
Group 3: Main Event/ Program

21. Paired Activity:
Have your seatmate as your partner. Analyze the questionnaires posted
on the board/screen. Using the guidelines of Do’s and Don’ts of effective
questions, identify if the questions are effective or not.

22. Reflect
How do you think will your new earned knowledge about survey
questionnaire help you value being truthful and objective?

23. CREDITS: This presentation template was
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Thanks!
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