Needs Assessment Training Module

Needs Assessment Training

Written Questions

Written questions present unique challenges but at the same time can be advantageous. You can test multiple iterations of questions to ensure there is no bias and can hone the grammar and sentence structure as well.

The main thing to ask yourself about any question as you write it is whether it will measure what you are trying to measure. More detail on some of these can be found in the section called Structuring Questions.


	Negativity		Can be very difficult to understand Example: Shouldn’t the CZM program deny permits for beach renourishment?


	Repetition		Can make respondents angry Irritates people when they think you are playing games with them At a minimum, change the wording (most folks will catch on)


	Sensitivity		Word things tactfully Sensitive questions usually best asked in the middle towards end of questionnaire Sensitive questions usually are best in a face-to-face format


	Clarity		Make questions less than 20 words Make sure questions are grammatically correct and spelled correctly Don't use jargon Highlight important words Define “wiggle” words Never use more than one variable

Coastal Services Center

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Written Questions