Question

How to write a survey? The format

Answer 1

When structuring your survey, your formatting priorities should be directed to the needs of:

☀The respondents

☀Data entry

☀The researcher

The following are formatting considerations:

✴Your typeface should always be large and clear for ease in reading with a 12pt font serif or 10pt sanserif font minimum.

✴All instructions necessary to complete the survey should be available at the point in the questionnaire where they are to be used.

✴Answer instructions should appear just before the answer set.

✴Number all questions to help guide the respondent through the survey.

✴Pre-coded, closed-ended questions should always have a “no answer” or “don’t know” answer option.Open-ended questions should be primarily reserved for pilot studies.

✴Fit online survey questions and mobile survey questions into the entire viewable space of the computer screen or mobile device, or on a single page in a paper survey.

✴Never split a question across computer or mobile screens, or multiple pages of a paper survey unless absolutely necessary.

✴One question per screen in an online survey or mobile survey is the most desirable format.

✴Single-answer questions on one line and vertical answer formats are preferred survey question formats.

✴Many researchers use survey software to assist in the design and development of their survey research studies.