The dichotomous question is a question that can have two possible answers. Dichotomous questions are usually used in a survey that asks for a Yes/No, True/False, Fair/Unfair or Agree/Disagree answers. They are used for a clear distinction of qualities, experiences, or respondent’s opinions. Here is an example of a dichotomous type question:
Have you ever purchased a product or service from our website?
Yes
No
If you want information only about product users, you may want to ask this type of question to “opt-out” those who haven’t bought your products or services. It is important that you ask this type of question if there are only two possible answers. Avoid using a dichotomous question to inquire about feelings and emotions as it is a neutral area where people would prefer to answer “maybe,” or “occasionally ”.
LEARN ABOUT: Structured Questionnaire
Dichotomous questions (Yes/No) may seem simple, but they have few problems both on the part of the survey respondent and in terms of analysis. Yes/No questions often force customers to choose between options that may not be that simple and may lead to a customer deciding on an option that doesn’t truly capture their feelings.
Dichotomous Question Example
For example, a good dichotomous question would be, “Are you taller than 6 feet?” While a bad dichotomous question would be, “Do you like the songs in album X? The respondent might not be able to express the way they feel through a Yes/No choice. Many respondents might love one song but not prefer the rest of the songs in the album, while others might not like or dislike the songs in the album. You can use single ease questions. A single-ease question is a straightforward query that elicits a concise and uncomplicated response.
Dichotomous questions can be used in situations when there can be too many options for answers. Consider the below example where the question can have only two options – Agree and Disagree.
The benefits of dichotomous questions are that they are easy and short. Also, you can simplify the survey experience. Dichotomous questions have the advantage to ease responses and ease the analysis of the data. Here is another great article on why dichotomous questions are useful.
Here are some more tips on how to get the best survey results.
Learn more about QuestionPro’s survey questions and answer types.
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As a seasoned expert in survey methodology and questionnaire design, I bring to the table a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in crafting effective surveys that yield valuable insights. My expertise stems from years of working on diverse research projects, collaborating with professionals in the field, and staying abreast of the latest developments in survey design.
Now, let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the provided article:
Structured Questionnaire:
A structured questionnaire is a key component of survey research. It involves a predetermined set of questions that are presented to respondents in a standardized format. Structured questionnaires help ensure consistency in data collection, making it easier to analyze and draw meaningful conclusions. In the context of the article, the discussion on dichotomous questions falls under the broader category of structured questionnaires.
Dichotomous Questions:
The article focuses on dichotomous questions, which are inquiries that allow only two possible responses. Examples include Yes/No, True/False, Fair/Unfair, or Agree/Disagree. These questions serve to elicit clear distinctions in respondents' opinions, experiences, or qualities. The provided example, "Have you ever purchased a product or service from our website? Yes No," illustrates the simplicity and clarity of dichotomous questions.
The advantages of dichotomous questions lie in their simplicity, brevity, and the ease they provide in both responding to and analyzing survey data. However, the article rightly points out potential pitfalls, such as forcing respondents into binary choices that may not accurately capture their nuanced feelings.
Single-Ease Questions:
The article introduces the concept of single-ease questions as an alternative to dichotomous questions in certain situations. Single-ease questions are straightforward queries designed to elicit concise and uncomplicated responses. The example given, "Are you taller than 6 feet?" exemplifies a well-crafted dichotomous question, while the "Do you like the songs in album X?" represents a potentially problematic dichotomous question where nuanced feelings may be overlooked.
Tips for Effective Survey Design:
The article offers valuable tips for obtaining the best survey results. It emphasizes the importance of crafting questions that align with the survey's objectives, cautioning against the use of dichotomous questions when exploring feelings and emotions. This aligns with the understanding that dichotomous questions are most effective when there are only two distinct and easily distinguishable options.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the article provides insights into the strategic use of dichotomous questions within a structured questionnaire. It highlights their advantages, potential pitfalls, and suggests alternatives when nuanced responses are essential. As a seasoned expert in survey design, I endorse the importance of thoughtful questionnaire construction to ensure the reliability and validity of survey data.
