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Survey Features

Dichotomous Question​ - Yes or No?

Build effective surveys using dichotomous questions!

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Not all your respondents have time to take a long survey and read through all your multiple-choice options. While each question type helps you unlock relevant insights, dichotomous questions stand out as a powerful tool for capturing succinct responses. 

In this article, we’ll delve into the unique attributes of this question type that help elicit clear-cut responses, facilitating streamlined decision-making. 

What is a dichotomous question?

Known for offering two possible answer options, a dichotomous question is a popular question type that is often used for screening purposes. Include answer choices like yes/no, true/false, agree/disagree, right/wrong. fair/unfair, these question types help to filter out and segment the target audience effectively. 

Intending to clearly understand the respondents’ experiences, qualities, as well as opinions about a particular subject, these question types play a pivotal role in uncovering their choices. 

Example of a dichotomous question

Survey question 14

When should you use a dichotomous question in a survey?

Dichotomous survey questions are a versatile feature in survey creation, offering two response options to the respondents – Yes/No, True/False, or Agree/Disagree.  Here are some ways you should use this question type in a survey. 

1. For screening respondents: 

Adding this question type at the beginning of a survey can help you screen participants based on whether they qualify for the survey’s purpose. This helps streamline the rest of the questions and ensures that the respondent falls into relevant categories. 

2. When seeking precise responses:

It is an ideal choice when you need distinct and unambiguous responses. The lack of options helps avoid confusion and make precise decisions. 

3. For relevant and detailed follow-ups:

Dichotomous questions serve as a gateway to detailed follow-up questions. It enables you to offer different question sets to the corresponding two groups based on their responses to delve deeper into their experience. 

4. When comparing two options:

The question type is used when you need to compare two specific options. For example, in a product survey, you can use this question type, asking respondents to select between two features. 

5. In time-sensitive surveys:

When time is a constraint, this question type allows you to gather data quickly. Respondents can make rapid decisions and quickly complete a survey.

6. To keep the survey concise and focused:

Dichotomous questions help you maintain the survey flow and keep respondents focused by preventing them from getting overwhelmed with too many choices.

What are the advantages of using dichotomous questions?

This question type enables you to operate efficiently, cut through complexity, and capture insights needed for well-informed decisions. 

Easy to answer: 

By helping respondents select the ideal option without going through a long list of answers, these question types are easy to answer. As there are only 2 answer options to choose from, including dichotomous question makes it easy for the respondents to participate in the survey. 

Clarity and simplicity:

Dichotomous questions offer clarity in the intricate landscape of research. By presenting only two distinct choices, respondents can cut through the noise and express their preferences or opinions clearly. The simplicity of dichotomous choices streamlines the response process and ensures that the data you gather is unambiguous and easily interpretable. 

High completion rates:

Leveraging dichotomous questions in a survey helps to make it short and crisp. As respondents hate to answer big and lengthy surveys, they prefer to answer this question type. This helps to increase the survey completion rate to a large extent. 

Facilitates quick decisions:

The binary nature of the question type makes it ideal for surveys where quick decisions are imperative. Whether identifying the target market, screening consumer profiles, or gauging customer satisfaction, the dichotomous question makes the data collection and decision-making process more efficient. 

This not only expedites the data collection but also enables you to respond promptly to changing circumstances.

Conclusion

With the wide variety of question types available in survey design, the simplicity, clarity, and precision of dichotomous questions have a profound impact on the quality of insights. From the efficiency of time-sensitive surveys to the nuance of streaming follow-up questions, it helps you effortlessly navigate the landscape of survey research.

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