Question Order

• There should be an introductory statement and general instructions at the beginning of the survey.
  • This should include the IRB-required voluntary consent statement as well as basic instructions including how to return the survey. (For more go to IRB information)
  • There should also be introductions to each section of the survey and (if needed) for individual questions.

• The order of questions is also important.

• Questions which the respondent will feel comfortable answering should be first, with more sensitive questions further towards the end.

• Demographic questions should also not be placed at the beginning.

• More concrete questions should be placed first, moving to more abstract questions later. Similar questions should be placed in sections to help structure the survey.