Survey Questions: Handcrafting the Standardized Questionnaire

by Jean M. Converse, Stanley Presser

Survey Questions is a highly readable guide to the principles of writing survey questions. The authors review recent research on survey questions, consider the lore of professional experience and finally present those findings which have the strongest implications on writing these questions.

Genres: Sociology

80 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1986

Reviews

[Steven Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice brief introduction to developing survey questions. I used this essay to provide examples and logic when I taught a course on research methods. Many practical lessons are provided, most of which are still relevant (the importance of question order, use of more specific versus more general questions, effect of how questions are worded, and so on). Good handbook for those who want something brief as a resource. It's a fairly old volume, but still useful.

[Lisa Kruse · Rating 3 out of 5]

The go to for constructing your own survey, particularly for advice with pre-testing. Some of the sections are a bit obvious (particularly if you've taken several methods courses) so I would suggest skimming.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clear and sensible, still a standby, not too shabby for 1986.