---
url: "https://questionstar.com/principles-of-survey-research/chapter-3/slide-096.html"
title: "Avoid Generalizations and Estimates"
type: "lehrbuch-slide"
chapter: 3
chapterTitle: "Questionnaire"
slide: 96
---

# Avoid Generalizations and Estimates

*Don't force the respondent to strain their memory and their mathematical skills. Ask for the building blocks.*

### No mental arithmetic

Don't force the respondent to strain their **memory** and their **mathematical skills** . Ask for the building blocks.

![A jar full of candy and a calculator — estimating large numbers is impossible](/principles-of-survey-research/media/gumballs_calc.png)

### Example

"What are the annual per-capita food expenses in your household?"

### Ask instead

1. "How much money does your household spend on food per month?" 2. "How many members does your household have?"

---

*Slide 96 of 274 · Chapter 3: Questionnaire · Principles of Survey Research · Dr. Paul Marx*