Leading question is a type of question that pushes respondents to answer in a specific manner, based on the way they are framed. More than often, these questions already
contain information that survey creator wants to confirm rather than try to get a true and an unbiased answer to that question. Biases can sneak up in the most unexpected ways and if these biases are present in the form of leading questions in a survey, the purpose of creating a survey is diluted, since the responses will be biased based on the leading question. These responses and
collected data will not lead to insightful research reports and conclusions. Poorly constructed survey questions can lead to undesirable answers. If a survey creator is unaware of biases while framing questions, then these biases reflect in poor
decision making based on partially true data. This may result in adversely affecting an organization or business who use this data for research and business purposes. As mentioned in the earlier section, leading questions prompt the survey respondents to answer in a specific manner by including certain terms
and phrases. 5 main characteristics that define leading questions:
Types of Leading QuestionsLeading questions change the survey results due to the inherent intent and tone of the questions. They can be divided into multiple types –
What is a Biased Survey?A biased survey is a survey that is bound to have errors due to:
At all times, a survey creator should design and develop a survey, where the questions asked should not influence survey responses. A biased survey can lead to a higher dropout rate, as survey respondents lose interest in the survey. A well-written survey question allows respondents to answer truthfully, without being pulled to one side or obvious biases. In simpler words, questions should not confuse respondents about which option to choose. Good Examples of Leading QuestionsExample: Did you like our excellent new offering? Using “excellent” in the above question can lead to biases amongst respondents. A more neutral question would have been: How would you rate our new offering?
Example: You are satisfied with our products, aren’t you? This question generates a certain degree of confusion and eventually would have respondents succumb to an extreme answer option. A good survey design will not have a question that is highly likely to confuse respondents. The right question to ask in this context would be: How satisfied are you with our products?
Example: Do you always consume fast food? (Dichotomous Question) Literally, this question would invariably lead respondents to answer no, even if they consume fast food a couple of times a week. The right question to ask in this context would be: How frequently do you consume fast food?
Learn more: Likert Scale Examples How to avoid Leading Question?
Final ThoughtsA survey creator must avoid asking leading questions to be able to get correct and truthful responses. To avoid biases in a survey, make sure to clearly state all answer options so that respondents can choose the best possible options for them. Make sure to include “Prefer not to answer option”. Many people tend to drop out of a survey if they are uncomfortable answering a certain question. By practicing the attributes mentioned above, survey creators can avoid asking leading questions and practice consciously, the art of asking the right questions to create an effective research design for their organizations or businesses. Learn more: Get 300+ FREE survey templates here What are the reasons that respondents are unable to answer the question asked?There are usually four key reasons why respondents sometimes don't answer questions in surveys.. It's too much effort. ... . The context is not explained. ... . The purposes doesn't seem legitimate. ... . The information is too sensitive.. What kind of question is asked when respondents can choose more than one answer?Multiple choice questions are the most popular survey question type. They allow your respondents to select one or more options from a list of answers that you define. They're intuitive, easy to use in different ways, help produce easy-to-analyze data, and provide mutually exclusive choices.
What type of questions should you avoid using in a questionnaire?5 common survey question mistakes that'll ruin your data. Don't write leading questions. ... . Avoid loaded questions. ... . Stay away from double-barreled questions. ... . Absolutely do not use absolutes in questions. ... . Be clear by speaking your respondent's language.. Which type of question allows respondents express?Open-Ended Questions: Definition
Open-ended questions are free-form survey questions that allow respondents to answer in open-text format to answer based on their complete knowledge, feeling, and understanding. The response to this question is not limited to a set of options.
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