---
url: "https://questionstar.com/principles-of-survey-research/chapter-3/slide-094.html"
title: "Avoid implicit alternatives"
type: "lehrbuch-slide"
chapter: 3
chapterTitle: "Questionnaire"
slide: 94
---

# Avoid implicit alternatives

*Implicit alternatives are answer options that were not explicitly named. Make the counter-option visible.*

### Name the alternatives

Implicit alternatives are answer options that were **not explicitly named** . Make the counter-option visible.

![Two dice — the unspoken alternative](/principles-of-survey-research/media/dice.png)

### Example

"Do you like to take the train for short city trips?"

### Ask instead

"Do you like to take the train for short city trips, or do you prefer to drive?"

---

*Slide 94 of 274 · Chapter 3: Questionnaire · Principles of Survey Research · Dr. Paul Marx*