Types of Questions to Avoid
- Double-barreled questions- force respondents to make two decisions in one. For example, a question like: "Do you think women and children should be given the first available flu shots?" does not allow the responder to choose whether women or children should be given the first shots.
- Double negative questions-for example: "Please tell me whether or not you agree or disagree with this statement. Graduate teaching assistants should not be required to help students outside of class." Respondents may confuse the meaning of the disagree option.
- Hypothetical questions- are typically too difficult for respondents since they require more scrutiny. For example, "If there were a cure for cancer, would you still support euthanasia?"
- Ambiguous questions- respondents might not understand the question.
- Biased questions- For example, "Don't you think that suffering terminal cancer patients should be allowed to be released from their pain?" Researchers should never try to make one response option look more suitable than another.
- Questions with long lists-these questions may tire respondents or respondents may lose track of the question.