Guidelines

Designing questions

1. Provide a context by briefly explaining the purpose of the research
2. Only ask questions that are needed for the analysis
3. Keep each question as short and as simple as possible
4. Only ask one question at a time
5. Include questions that serve as cross-checks on answers to other questions
6. Avoid jargon, ambiguity and negative questions
7. Avoid leading questions and value-laden questions that suggest a ‘correct’ answer
8. Avoid calculations and memory tests
9. Avoid questions that could cause offence or embarrassment

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