How to Design a Quantitative Survey Step-by-Step

What is a quantitative survey? Characteristics and uses

A quantitative survey is a research tool used to collect numerical and statistically analyzable data. Through this type of survey, the goal is to measure specific variables within a defined population, which allows for results that can be generalized and compared.

The main characteristics of a quantitative survey are the closed-ended structure of the questions, which limit responses to predetermined options, and the collection of data in the form of figures. This facilitates statistical analysis and the drawing of precise inferences about the behavior of the studied population.

The use of quantitative surveys is very common in market research, public opinion studies, trend analysis, and social sciences, as they allow for the collection of a large amount of information in a systematic and reproducible manner.

How to design a quantitative questionnaire step-by-step

Designing a quantitative questionnaire requires careful planning to ensure that the questions are clear, relevant, and properly structured. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating an effective quantitative survey:

1. Define the survey's objective Before you begin, it is crucial to have a clear purpose for the survey. What information do you want to obtain? What questions do you need to answer? Establishing clear objectives will help you determine what data you need to collect.
2. Identify the target population Determine who the participants of your survey will be. This will allow you to formulate relevant questions and segment the results effectively.
3. Choose the type of questions In a quantitative survey, questions are usually closed-ended, meaning respondents must select an answer from a limited set of options. This includes multiple-choice questions, Likert scale questions, and numerical questions.
4. Write clear and concise questions It is essential that the questions are easy to understand and do not lead to ambiguous interpretations. Avoid using jargon and ensure that the response options are exhaustive and mutually exclusive.
5. Establish a consistent format Ensure that all questions follow a similar format to facilitate understanding and comparison of responses. Use uniform response scales, such as 1 to 5 or 1 to 10, to maintain consistency.
6. Review and test the questionnaire Before administering the survey to a large group, conduct a pilot test to identify potential flaws in the wording of the questions or problems with the structure. This will allow you to make adjustments before the final distribution.

Types of quantitative questions you can include

Quantitative questions are those that can be measured numerically. Below are the most common types:

• Multiple-choice questions These questions offer several response options, from which the respondent must choose one. They are useful when you want to categorize information clearly and precisely.

Example:

How many times a month do you buy products online?

• • Never

  • 1-2 times

  • 3-5 times

  • More than 5 times

• Likert scales These are used to measure attitudes, opinions, or perceptions on an agreement/disagreement scale. They are very useful for assessing the intensity of participants' beliefs. Understand full potential of Likert Scales.

Example:

How much do you agree with the following statement? "I am satisfied with the customer service."

• • Strongly disagree

  • Disagree

  • Neutral

  • Agree

  • Strongly agree

• Numerical questions These questions require participants to provide an answer in the form of a specific number, such as age, quantity, or frequency.

Example:

• • How old are you?
  • How many products did you buy last month?

Common mistakes when conducting a quantitative survey

When conducting a quantitative survey, it is important to avoid some common mistakes that can affect the quality of the data:

1. Ambiguous or poorly worded questions Unclear or ambiguous questions can lead to erroneous or confusing answers. Make sure each question is specific and easy to understand.
2. Lack of exhaustive response options If the response options do not cover all possible answers from the respondent, you may obtain incomplete or inaccurate data.
3. Not conducting a pilot test Not testing the questionnaire with a small sample before launching it can lead to unexpected problems. Pilot tests allow you to detect design errors and improve the survey before mass data collection.
4. Lack of consistency in scales Using different types of scales in different questions can confuse participants and lead to inconsistent responses.

Practical example of a quantitative questionnaire

Below is a practical example of a quantitative questionnaire focused on measuring customer satisfaction:

• How satisfied are you with the service received?

  • Very dissatisfied

  • Dissatisfied

  • Neutral

  • Satisfied

  • Very satisfied

• How often do you use our products?

  • Never

  • Rarely

  • Sometimes

  • Frequently

  • Always

• How likely are you to recommend our products to a friend or colleague? (Scale of 0 to 10)
  • (0: Not at all likely, 10: Extremely likely)