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Writing Effective Questions / Question Types

Best practices on creating your questionnaire

C
Written by Carolyn T

Before You Begin

Welcome Message: We recommend adding context and setting the tone of your test before it begins (this sits within the test settings).

Question Limits: 15-20 questions depending on your account type.

Question Types Available

  • Focus Area
    Ask respondents to view, watch, read, or think about one of your assets. Focus areas can also be used as a divider or to introduce a new section to the test.

  • Open Question
    Ask respondents to leave comments on your assets.

  • Likert Scale
    Ask respondents to answer on a scale from 'Strongly agree' to 'Strongly disagree'.

  • Slider
    Ask respondents to answer on a numerical scale of your choice.

  • Emoji
    Let respondents react using emoji on one of your assets with a follow-up comment.

  • Multi-punch
    Ask respondents to select multiple answers from a list of options.

  • Single-punch
    Ask respondents to select one answer from a list of options.

  • Ranking
    Ask respondents to order or prioritize a list of options.

Best Practices for Question Wording

  • Be clear
    Use simple, unambiguous language everyone can understand.

  • Stay unbiased
    Avoid leading or suggestive phrasing that influences responses.

  • Keep it accessible
    Skip jargon and use universally understood terminology.

  • Stay focused
    One question = one topic (avoid double-barreled questions).

  • Be culturally appropriate
    Tailor language to your audience's context.

  • Respect privacy
    Don't ask intrusive, embarrassing, or overly personal questions.

  • Make it relevant
    Ensure questions are answerable by your target audience.

  • Consider perspective
    Frame questions appropriately for the study type and respondent expectations.

  • Be consistent
    Use similar phrasing and relevance across all participants.

  • Protect comfort levels
    Respect respondents' boundaries and privacy.

Result: Well-crafted questions yield unbiased, valuable insights and higher-quality research outcomes.

Test Structures

Example Test Structure: Sequential Creative Design Test with 4 Routes

Welcome Message

Provide context for the test, disclaimers, and estimated completion time.

Design A

Focus Area

Introduce the first asset: "This is Design A, please review this image carefully and then proceed to answer a few questions about it."

Q1a – Initial Reaction (Emoji)

Which of these emojis best reflects your immediate reaction to this design?

Supporting copy: "Please click on the design to leave your answer."

Q2a – Appeal (Slider)

How appealing do you find this design?

1 - Not appealing at all / 5 - Very appealing

Supporting copy: "Please select your answer and then click on the image to leave your answer."

Q3a – Relevancy (Slider)

How relevant would you say this design is to you?

1 - Not relevant / 5 - Very relevant

Supporting copy: "Please select your answer and then click on the image to leave your answer."

Design B

Focus Area

Introduce Design B.

Q1b – Initial Reaction (Emoji)

Q2b – Appeal (Slider)

Q3b – Relevancy (Slider)

Design C

Focus Area

Introduce Design C.

Q1c – Initial Reaction (Emoji)

Q2c – Appeal (Slider)

Q3c – Relevancy (Slider)

Design D

Focus Area

Introduce Design D.

Q1d – Initial Reaction (Emoji)

Q2d – Appeal (Slider)

Q3d – Relevancy (Slider)

Note: Designs A–D will be added to groups which will be randomized to avoid any bias.

Comparative Questions

Focus Area

Show all 4 designs together.

Q13 – Purchase Intent (Single Punch)

Which of these designs is most likely to make you want to purchase this product?

Supporting copy: "Please select your answer and then click on the image to leave your answer."

Q14 – Additional Question

Additional question on all designs.

Q15 – Additional Question

Additional question on all designs.

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