Writing Good Survey Questions
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Objective
I can write unbiased survey questions to collect accurate data.
Part 1 of 4
Warm-up video
Elon University Poll · 4:02
We don't generate video — this one is by Elon University Poll on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.
Part 2 of 4
Key concepts
3 concepts
- 1
A good survey question is one where all respondents interpret the question in a consistent manner, so questions should be as clear and specific as possible.
- 2
To get people to answer personal questions, you need to craft those questions carefully, explain why you need the information, and assure respondents that you’ll keep their responses confidential or even anonymous.
- 3
To avoid biased terms or wording, surveys will sometimes give one question to half the sample and a slightly different worded question to another half to see how respondents react to the different wording.
Part 3 of 4
Practice
10 questions
Why is it important for all respondents to interpret a survey question in a consistent manner?
Describe a strategy to increase the likelihood that respondents will answer truthfully when asked about sensitive topics.
Part 4 of 4
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Rewrite the following survey question to avoid bias: 'Do you think the extremely wasteful military budget should be reduced to fund education?' Explain what makes your revised question unbiased.”
Sample answer included in the free materials
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