Writing Questionnaires for Surveys: A Guide

Surveys are data-gathering methods used to collect, analyse, and interpret the views of a group of people within a target population. It is utilised in various research fields, including sociology, marketing research, politics, and psychology. A survey makes use of statistical techniques to analyse and interpret data. Information/data is gathered through printed questionnaires, telephonic or one-on-one interactions, emails, or the Internet. In surveys, a questionnaire is a tool with questions to be asked.  Sir Francis Galton introduced the use of the questionnaire in surveys. Questions usually elicit ideas, attitudes, aptitudes, preferences, facts and behaviours.

Types of Questions

There are different types of survey questions.

1. Open-ended Questions – There are no set answers for these questions, and they vary from person to person. Example: What is your opinion of the work done by your MLA?
2. Close-ended Questions—These questions have set answers, and responses are limited to the options provided. For example, should the education bill be included in the next parliamentary session? The answer to this question consists of two options: “yes” or “no.”
3. Scaled Questions – In this type, the responder is asked to select one answer from the options provided. This type of question measures attitudes, opinions, etc. Example: Can multimedia help improve listening skills? a) strongly agree on b) agree on c) disagree d) strongly disagree
4. True or False Questions – This type has only two options: the answer is true or false. Example: Social security in your state is excellent. a) true b) false.

How to write effective survey questions

The following points will help you write effective survey questions

1. Write in simple English
2. Make your writing as brief as possible
3. Avoid leading questions (questions that seek a specific answer as desired by the questioner.)
4. Ask specific questions focusing on the information required
5. Jargon and specialised language should be avoided

WORKS CITED

Bradburn, Norman M., Seymour Sudman, and Brian Wansink. Asking Questions: The Definitive Guide to Questionnaire Design—For Market Research, Political Polls, and Social and Health Questionnaires. Revised Edition Workbook. Jossey-Bass, 2004.

Dillman, Don A., Jolene D. Smyth, and Leah Melani Christian. Internet, Phone, Mail, and Mixed-Mode Surveys: The Tailored Design Method. 4th ed., Wiley, 2014. E-book, https://www.wiley.com.

Dr Aswathy Aravindakshan

Dr Aswathy Aravindakshan is a teacher, bilingual writer and artist with over two decades of experience in teaching English language and literature. She currently serves as Assistant Professor of English at NSS College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. Her blog, ashlit.in brings together academic resources, creative writing in Malayalam and English, and visual art. The platform features lecture notes, study materials, poems, reflections, short prose, and a curated collection of her paintings. Through this space, she seeks to foster learning, creativity, and meaningful engagement with literature and the arts.