In last week’s Thursday Thought, we introduced ways to boost participation with online surveys. This week, we take a look at getting better results. For all surveys, it’s important to set an objective and stick with questions that relate to it. Should you use open- or close-ended questions? Many surveys include a mix. Close-ended questions (multiple choice, numerical rank, etc.) can be easier to answer and quantify, but you need to ensure the selection provided includes every reasonable response. For open-ended questions, be direct in what you ask to avoid any misinterpretation. No matter the type, questions should be  free of confusing language or unfamiliar acronyms. It also helps to keep survey questions in a logical order with a good flow. One last tip is to have a small test group take your survey before delivering to the masses. Survey success is much more attainable when you focus on ways to improve participation and results!