To minimize bias in survey responses, what is the best practice?

Using clear and neutral language in question phrasing is essential for minimizing bias in survey responses. When questions are worded in a way that is ambiguous or loaded with emotional connotations, respondents may be swayed toward particular answers that do not accurately reflect their true opinions. Neutral language ensures that the respondents understand what is being asked without influencing them to choose one response over another. This practice fosters the collection of genuine, reliable, and valid data, leading to better quality insights from the survey.

In contrast, asking leading questions encourages specific responses that may not represent the full range of respondents' views. Avoiding demographic information could overlook important factors that might explain variations in responses. Limiting the number of questions might help reduce fatigue, but it does not address the risk of bias that can be introduced by poorly phrased questions. Therefore, using clear and neutral language is the most effective strategy for minimizing bias and enhancing the integrity of survey data.