Question Types Overview
SurveyMethods offers 12+ question types to help you collect exactly the data you need. This guide explains each type and when to use it.
Selection Questions
Multiple Choice
Best for single-answer questions with predefined options.
Use when:
- Asking demographic questions
- Offering mutually exclusive options
- Need quantifiable, easy-to-analyze data
Checkboxes
Allow respondents to select multiple answers.
Use when:
- “Select all that apply” questions
- Collecting multiple preferences
- Feature or interest surveys
Dropdown
Single selection from a dropdown menu.
Use when:
- Long lists of options (countries, states)
- Saving space on the page
- Reducing visual clutter
Rating Questions
Star Rating
Visual rating using stars (or other icons).
Use when:
- Quick satisfaction ratings
- Product/service reviews
- Simple preference scales
Matrix/Rating Scale
Grid-based questions with multiple items and scale options.
Use when:
- Rating multiple items on the same scale
- Likert scale questions
- Comparing attributes
Net Promoter Score (NPS)
Industry-standard 0-10 scale for loyalty measurement.
Use when:
- Measuring customer loyalty
- Benchmarking against industry
- Tracking satisfaction over time
Text Questions
Comment Box
Large text area for detailed responses.
Use when:
- Open-ended feedback
- Detailed explanations
- Qualitative research
Single Textbox
Short text input field.
Use when:
- Names, emails, short answers
- Specific data collection
- Form fields
Advanced Questions
Ranking
Drag and drop items to rank in order of preference.
Use when:
- Priority ordering
- Preference ranking
- Feature prioritization
File Upload
Allow respondents to upload files.
Use when:
- Collecting documents
- Photo submissions
- Portfolio reviews
Matrix of Dropdown Menus
Grid with dropdown selections in each cell.
Use when:
- Complex data collection
- Multiple attributes with same options
- Detailed preference mapping
Display Elements
Text Block
Display text content (not a question).
Use when:
- Instructions or explanations
- Section introductions
- Legal disclaimers
Image
Display an image in the survey.
Use when:
- Visual context
- Product images
- Instructions with diagrams
Best Practices
- Match type to goal - Choose the question type that best captures your data needs
- Keep it simple - Don’t use complex types when simple ones work
- Consider mobile - Test how questions appear on mobile devices
- Use consistent scales - Keep rating scales consistent throughout
- Limit open-ended - Too many text questions reduce completion rates
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