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Scotland

Create a survey

A survey can help you collect information, opinions and evidence from your community.

Start by deciding what your survey is for. You can use surveys to:

  • identify the issues your neighbours want to address

  • demonstrate the breadth of the issue you are facing

  • democratically decide on which solutions to focus on

Offline survey

You’ll need:

  • printouts of your questions

  • pens

  • clipboards

Online survey

Websites such as SurveyMonkey allow you to easily create a survey. You can share the survey on social media and in emails.

You could also collect in person responses from an online survey using a smartphone or tablet.

Writing your questions

Avoid leading questions

Leading questions are written in a way that suggests there is an answer you are looking for. For example, asking ‘do you agree’.

Instead, ask questions that allow people to give their own views.

Avoid yes/no questions

This will help you collect impactful evidence for your campaigns or decision making. For example, ask what they think the impact would be if your campaign succeeded instead of if they agree with your campaign.