Matrix questions are popular but carry risks. In a matrix, many questions with the same answer categories are shown in a table. Each row is a separate question, even though it looks compact.
The problem: response patterns
Method research shows that in matrix questions respondents tend towards uniform answers, simply clicking straight down one column. That is easier than judging each row on its own. The effect occurs in all kinds of surveys, particularly strongly in anonymous online surveys, and it grows with length, boredom and complicated questions. On top of that, the link between question and answer is visually weakened.
Less is more
Use matrix questions sparingly and limit them to no more than six rows. Matrices are often used only to pack in many questions or to make the number of questions look smaller. The result is then frequently unusable or has to be cleaned up separately. LamaPoll offers many settings for matrix questions, but always keep the respondent’s screen width and concentration in mind.
Endless rows of checkboxes make even motivated respondents give up. This is what an overloaded matrix question looks like:
Better: split large matrices into several short questions, limit the number of rows and loosen up the layout. Even though LamaPoll supports complex displays, use them with care.
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.
