Creating a Useful Survey
MAKE THE NUMBERS WORK IN YOUR
FAVOR!!
What is a Survey???
 A survey presents a set of questions to a
subject whose responses will provide data to
a researcher.
 Objectives of a Survey?
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Keep it short but ask enough questions to get the answers you
are looking for.
Before you develop your questions create a list of objectives
you will have for your survey.
Survey Types
 There are a few types of questions you can do, and
each has it’s own strength’s and weaknesses
 You and your group should take the time today to
decide what type of survey questions will work best
for you. Your survey will have to include at least 2 of
the 3 types
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Structured Questions
Non-structured Questions (open-ended)
Partially Structured Questions
Structured Questions
 These offer the individual a closed set of responses
 The data collected is easy to organize and present
 Use this type of questioning if:

You know exactly what types of responses you are looking for

You are NOT looking for new ideas or thoughts from your
survey
Structured Questions
 These can also include rankings and ratings.
 Rank your classes in order of favorite to least favorite

Identify how satisfied you were with the senior ski trip.
1 Unsatisfied
 2 Somewhat Satisfied
 3 Satisfied
 4 Very Satisfied

 To keep data as accurate as possible it’s often a good
idea to include an “Other” option or “Don’t Know”
Examples of Structured Questions
Do you have a Driver’s License?
( ) Yes
( ) No
How Many Hours a Day do You Spend Doing
Homework?
( ) 0 – 1 Hour
( ) 2 – 3 Hour
( ) 4 – 5 Hour
( ) more than 5 hours
Non-Structured Questions
 In these questions, there are no responses provided,
you are looking for new ideas and original ideas the
people you survey
 This is best to use when you are looking for ideas or
possible solutions
 These are good to use if you have a general idea of an
issue but are trying to figure out the root of the
problem.
Non-Structured Questions
 Biggest risk using this type of questioning is that you
cannot guarantee the quality of responses you will
receive
 Your questions need to be clearly asked so you can
make sure your responses will be applicable to your
proposal.
 It will be more difficult to go through all of the
potential responses, and organize them in a useful
manner
Examples of Non-Structured Questions
 What do you like best about Target?
 What would you like to do on Friday’s after school?
Partially Structured Questions
 This is a combination of both structured and non-
structured questions
 This is beneficial since it allows you to still direct the
thoughts and answers of the survey participants
while still allowing for some individual responses
Examples of Partially Structured Questions
 Where do you study the best?
 The MPR
 Office Hours
 The Library
 At Home
 Other ________________
Writing Good Questions
 Clearly State Your Questions
 Include Instructions for Your Survey – How do you
want the questions answered?
 Don’t ask personal information if you don’t need it.
 Keep the questions short and to the point
 Ask only one question at a time
 Ask your questions in a neutral and unbiased way.
Asking more than one question.
Bad Question: More than one question
Good Question
How have teachers and students at your
school responded
to the new 45-minute lunch period?
( ) Satisfied
( ) Unsatisfied
How have teachers at your school
reacted to the new 45-minute lunch
period?
( ) Satisfied
( ) Unsatisfied
How have students at your school
reacted to the new 45-minute lunch
period?
( ) Satisfied
( ) Unsatisfied
Asking Biased Questions
Bad Question: Leading
Good Question: Neutral
Do you think that the new cafeteria
lunch menu offers a better variety
of healthy foods than the old one?
( ) Yes
( ) No
( ) No Opinion
How do you feel about the new cafeteria
lunch menu compared to the old one?
( ) The new menu offers a better variety
of healthy foods
( ) The old menu offers a better variety
of healthy foods
( ) The selections are similar
( ) No opinion