Handling Sensitive Questions in Surveys and Screeners

Which Questions Are Sensitive?

• Sensitive questions in surveys and screeners can cause discomfort for research participants.
• Researchers should avoid such questions to prevent potential dropoffs or unreliable responses from participants.

Why Handle Sensitive Questions Carefully?

• Delicate handling of sensitive questions is essential to ensure accurate data collection.
• Even seemingly innocuous questions like age, gender, or income can elicit strong emotional responses from participants.

Strategies for Handling Sensitive Questions

• Provide clear explanations for why the information is needed.
• Assure participants of confidentiality and anonymity.
• Use neutral and non-threatening language in your questions.
• Utilize skip logic to allow participants to bypass questions they are uncomfortable answering.

Example Wording for Sensitive Questions

• Instead of asking directly about income, consider phrasing it as, "Which of the following ranges includes your annual household income?"
• For questions about gender, provide options beyond just male and female, such as "Non-binary" or "Prefer not to say."
• When inquiring about personal experiences, use language that is non-judgmental and understanding.

By following these guidelines and using the example wordings provided, researchers can navigate sensitive questions in surveys and screeners effectively, ensuring both participant comfort and data accuracy.