Crafting effective items

Use neutral language, focus on experiences rather than opinions, and balance positive and negative indicators to capture a complete picture.

Response scales and wording

Prefer Likert or frequency scales with clearly defined anchors. Keep scales consistent across items to reduce confusion and bias.

Harassment and inclusion items

Include questions on perceived safety, reporting barriers, sense of belonging, and bystander behavior. Behavior-based prompts yield more actionable insights.

Bias mitigation

Pilot with diverse groups, review wording for fairness, and test translations to ensure equivalence. Use cognitive interviews to validate comprehension.

Question patterns

Mix fixed-choice items with open-ended prompts sparingly. Place sensitive items later to reduce fatigue and improve honesty.