Imprecise or overlapping answer options are another common mistake in online surveys. If the options are not cleanly separated, the respondent does not know which one is right, because several apply or none really fits. The result can no longer be evaluated clearly.
Three requirements for good answer options
Answer options should be built like a clean classification and meet three conditions:
- Completeness: there is an option for every possible answer. More on this under Missing Answer Options.
- Mutual exclusivity: the options do not overlap, each answer fits in only one place.
- Clarity: each option is clearly worded and allows only one reading.
Typical mistakes with categories
Most often categories overlap or some are missing:
- Wrong (overlap): “0 to 2 euros”, “2 to 5 euros”, “5 to 10 euros”. At 2 and 5 euros two options apply at once.
- Right: “0 to 1.99 euros”, “2 to 4.99 euros”, “5 to 9.99 euros”. Clear boundaries with no overlap.
- Wrong (gap): age groups “20 to 29”, “30 to 39”, “50 to 59”. The 40 to 49 year olds are missing.
Careful with pre-selected answers
Pre-selected answers are especially tricky, for instance in scale questions or dropdown lists. Respondents tend to accept the default unchecked, and in the end you measure the setting rather than the real opinion. We recommend avoiding pre-selected answers in your surveys.
What is LamaPoll?
LamaPoll is an online survey tool for creating employee surveys and measuring employee satisfaction. With us, you can create, conduct, and analyse all types of employee surveys.
Set up your employee survey in just a few steps, customise it with your company's corporate design, and invite your employees conveniently by email or via your intranet. You'll gather insights to boost employee satisfaction in no time. Sign up for free with our online survey tool. You can then run surveys for up to 50 employees immediately and with no obligation. If you need more responses for your online employee survey, simply use our monthly plans. You can also make use of our templates and examples for employee survey questionnaires.
