Writing Good Questions

Writing Good Questions

Guidelines for writing good questions:

1.  Questions should short, simple, and direct.
2. Phrase questions so that they can be understood by every respondent.
3. Phrase questions so as to elicit unambiguous answers.
4. Phrase questions so to avoid bias that may predetermine a respondent’s answer.
5. Avoid questions that might mislead because of unstated assumptions.
6. Avoid leading questions, which imply a desired response.
7. Avoid questions that may elicit embarrassment, suspicion, or hostility in the respondent.
8. Avoid “double-barreled” questions.
9. Make sure the alternatives to each item are exhaustive – that they express all possible alternatives on the issue.
10. Keep the questionnaire as brief as possible that it requires a minimum of the respondents’ time.
11. Make sure the respondents have the information necessary to answer the questions.

Source: Ary, D., Jacobs, L. C., Razavieh, A., & Sorenson, C. (2006). Introduction to research in education (7^th ed). Thomson Wadsworth, Thomas Higher Education, 10 Davis Drive, Belmont, CA 94002-3098