Research Recommendations

Ensure that survey questions are accessible, clear, relevant, and include spaces where people can provide information that the question does not cover.

Be mindful of the impact that sensitive questions may have on the respondent and prepare interviewers to practice active listening.

Compensate respondents fairly for the time that they devote to the survey

Ensure that survey is aligned with community partners’ mission and values by regularly sharing your progress with them for feedback.

Fielding surveys takes time and resources – ensure that research projects do not pose an additional burden or take resources away from organizations’ regular obligations and commitments.

Think about the audience and goals of the research in developing questions

Create spaces for interviewers to debrief about their fielding experiences to determine if any major changes need to be made to the survey.

Use the research to support existing advocacy efforts and devote time into publicizing your hard work and people’s investment of time and trust.

Create opportunities for community members to be involved in discussing the findings and next steps with the research.

A combination of question types will be helpful:

• Quantitative/closed-ended questions are easier to analyze and clearer to present

• Qualitative/open-ended questions provide rich insights and opportunities for the respondent to take a more active role in shaping the direction of the findings