Yahoo! Canada Answers Blog

Recently, we’ve blogged about types of low quality content that are not allowed on Answers -  avatar games, chatting and gaming questions. Since then, a lot of questions have been asked about polling and surveys, and how these are different from chat.  Generally, polls and surveys seek advice and looks to gather a collective opinion around a subject – that’s exactly what we want to see. Since then, a lot of questions have been asked about polling and surveys, and how these are different from chat.

Having such a large number of people in the Answers community lends itself to gauging public opinion through a poll or a survey.  Polls and surveys are allowed on Answers and this week we have some recommendations to help you get the most out of your survey:

• Make use of the polls and surveys category!  – This may sound like we are stating the obvious but consider that placing your poll in the right category will attract responses from people looking to help.  It also makes it clear that your question is intended to garner opinion.

• Keep your questions as short as possible: Long questions can lead to misinterpretation and confusion.

• Be clear about the information you want: Write questions that everyone will understand in the same way.

• Avoid vague and biased questions: Stick to one topic. The question should point directly to the information that is needed. Write questions that do not lead people to answer a particular way.

• Avoid ‘yes’- ‘no’  and rating questions: It encourages games and chatting and will result in a violation.

Here you have a couple of example of good quality polls and surveys:

Which fictional character would you be and why?

Which commercial would you like to see kicked off air forever?

Maybe you have some further tips to share?

Yahoo! Answers Canada Team