Texts that are too long are a common mistake in online surveys. People do not read word for word on the web, they skim and stop at highlighted spots. Usability studies show that people read about 25 percent more slowly on screen than on paper, so your texts should be correspondingly shorter.
Keep questions short and simple
Focus on what is essential. If a question needs a long explanation, it often ends up misunderstood or unread. Word your question and explanation texts short, clear and easy to scan.
Example of an overloaded question text
- Wrong: “Which of the following topics would interest you in the form of a self-contained course, taking the stated delivery medium into account?” Even with full concentration it stays unclear what is being asked.
- Better: “Which of these online courses are you interested in?”
How to keep text readable
If a longer text cannot be avoided, break it up: short paragraphs, bullet points instead of convoluted sentences, a table where it helps. Also avoid technical terms, abbreviations and jargon that not everyone knows. More on this under Imprecise Questions.
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.
