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Data & Maps
Surveys & Programs
Resource Library
Better Formatting for Lower Response Burden
Better Formatting for Lower Response Burden
SM97-02
Introduction
Completing a survey is often a novel experience for respondents. In interviewer-administered surveys, a trained interviewer leads respondents through the set of questions. However, in a self-administered mail questionnaire, instructions serve as a compass that helps respondents navigate through a survey. To efficiently guide respondents through the response task, the instructions must be clear and understandable to respondents from a wide variety of backgrounds.
Others in Series
Working Paper
Which is Better: Grid Listing or Grouped Questions Design
In designing self-administered paper questionnaires to obtain information about persons, two designs are frequently used.
Working Paper
Improving the Navigational Qualities of the Decennial Short Form
This research is part of the Census' continuing effort to design decennial short forms that are respondent friendly, machine imagable, and cost efficient.
Working Paper
How Do People Answer Income Questions?
People do not always answer questions regarding their household's income the way the question designer expected them to.
Related Information
Page Last Revised - October 8, 2021
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