avoid errors in your data collection in surveys

How Can You Avoid Errors in Your Data Collection in Surveys?

Survey Tips

The process of preventing data collection mistakes starts before conducting a survey. Check out our top tips on avoiding errors in your data collection in surveys.

  • Understand and find your target population. Even when you use the best data collection tool, you’ll skew your research if you don’t choose the right respondents.
  • Design and carefully order your questions, which must be easy to understand. Steer clear from double-barreled questions, and be sure to provide a “don’t know/not applicable” answer when suitable.
  • Avoid complex language and technical terms or acronyms if possible. When using them, provide a definition, explanation, or examples.
  • Reach out to your audience through different communication channels, such as email. If you’re conducting phone interviews, agree on a meeting time in advance to avoid a low response rate.
  • Double-check all the work before launching the survey and during data collection. For instance, proofread the questions, double verify scheduling invitations or reminders, check the respondent database list, etc.
  • Invest in your interviewing/measuring techniques, and make sure all data researchers understand all the factors and features.
  • Use helpful software tools that will take care of your data collection and visualization. For instance, SurveyTown will help you create/conduct your survey, collect all responses, and create beautiful graphs and charts.

Bonus: Click here to learn how to ensure the survey data validity.