Chapter 3 · Questionnaire · Slide 90/274
Avoid Jargon, Slang and Abbreviations
Use simple, everyday words — no technical terms, no jargon. Every respondent must understand the question immediately.
3.1 · Asking Questions
Rule 2 · Simple Language
Avoid Jargon, Slang and Abbreviations
Simple words
Use simple, everyday words — no technical terms, no jargon. Every respondent must understand the question immediately.
✕Example
"Do you believe that the distribution of soft drinks is adequate?"
✓Ask instead
"Are soft drinks easy to find whenever you want to buy them?"
✕Also unclear
"State your adjusted net income for the past year."
QUESTIONSTAR · Dr. Paul Marx
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