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How to write a compelling survey introduction—get your response rates to soar

You only get one chance to engage your potential respondents with an online survey—and it all hinges on the introduction. Read on to find out how to persuade people to click through to your first question.

What to include in your survey introduction

There are some important details you really have to include in an introduction.

Before you set your mind to details of your writing, make sure you have the basics set in stone. There are five points you need to include in your survey introduction:

Your organization

The goal of the survey

How much time this will take

Anonymity/privacy of personal information (link to your privacy statement)

Relevant instructions

Now let’s take a look at each of them in more detail.

You wouldn’t grab someone in the street and ask them to fill out a survey with no introduction—so don’t do it online with your survey software.

It’s important for the people answering your survey to know who you are before they start, or you’ll be left with a bunch of nonresponses.

Improving your brand recognition is always a good idea. Especially if you want people to do more surveys for you in the future.

But don’t go on and on about yourselves. The more you talk about your own company and how great it is, the more biased the survey will feel.

Simply let people know who the survey is coming from—with a quick explanation of who you are. If they want to know more, you can leave a link to your site—or add it on your Thank You Screen at the end.

Be honest about why you are sending this survey research.

If you’re being vague about your objectives or failing to mention them altogether—your readers will find it hard to trust you.

Try to be as transparent as possible. Not only will this improve your responses, but people deserve to know what they’re taking part of.

People are busy—and time is money. Give an estimated time for completion upfront e.g. “This will only take a few minutes of your time.”

Don’t leave your readers in the dark. If they don’t know if there are five or five hundred questions left, they’ll get bored and impatient halfway through and hit the dreaded X button—or write half-hashed, inaccurate responses. And nonresponses are good for no one.

Let the people taking your survey know how far they are from the finishing line before they even start giving answers.

This is a big deal. You have to be clear and honest about what privacy rights people have.

If the responses you get from a survey are going to be anonymous, then let people know. Emphasize it—’cause you’ll get more honest answers if people understand that their answers remain confidential once they finish.

If you can’t offer anonymity to respondents—then they have the right to know that too.

Be fair with the people taking your survey. No one wants to give personal answers to something—only to have their answers used against them in the future.

Want to keep it short and sweet? You can always include a link to the privacy statement of your company. Give a very quick outline of the policy in the introduction, and give people the chance to learn more if they want.

Be clear about what your readers actually have to do in the survey or questionnaire .

Let’s say that you ask:

On a scale of 1-10, was this the tastiest type of cake?

Is “1” the tastiest score, because it’s number one? Does “10” represent the best cake, because it has a 10/10 flavor?

Who knows? Well, you will—but your readers won’t.

Asking questions like this means you’ll get answers from people in both camps. This means the answers you get will be worthless and your data can’t be used by your research team.

Keep the instructions as clear as possible. Ask someone to take the survey first. If they are confused by the questions, then the people taking your survey definitely will be too

Survey introduction writing tips

So now the necessary parts are taken care of, you need to focus on standing out from the crowd.

A perfect survey introduction is more than just a jumble of details and instructions. It’s the first contact you have with the people you will be relying on—so it’s important to start things off on the right foot. Make sure you:

The robots haven’t taken over yet—you’re not interviewing androids. You’re asking real people questions, so speak to them like, well, a human.

Keep the jargon for the boardroom. Speaking in formal, academic or technical language will just confuse most people.

If you open up with “Our company is looking for 100 respondents to answer a market research study on…” , then the survey will seem like some long, dry, serious read.

Try to humanize your speech in your survey intro.

Turn that cold, corporate speech into “We have a few questions to ask about…” .

Simple. Friendly. Human.

Always say thank you—you’re getting something from your readers with this survey.

Besides, if the people taking your survey feel their answers are valued, they’re much more likely to give genuine and thought-out answers

Your readers will appreciate it. Plus you’d make your grandmother proud.

A good introduction is a quick summary of the content that’s about to come up.

It’s the same in any medium, really.

So the best time to write your introduction is at the end of the writing process.

Why? Well, if you’ve gone through the entire process of planning and creating a survey, you’ll have a deep understanding of the content, hopefully.

Writing an introduction early on means you’ll be constantly editing if you make changes to the rest of the study.

If you do it at the end, you’ll have all the other parts ready to go—so this is the simplest time to put everything in a nutshell.

What’s the point of this study? Why should the people answering your questions care about them at all? Why should they spend five minutes on this survey instead of on Buzzfeed?

The best way to do this is to explain how these surveys had made a difference in the past.

Whether you’ve carried out research that led to policy change or simply asked employees about how they felt at work—then adapted the environment to suit them better, it’s certainly worth adding that info.

If you can show your survey isn’t meaningless research for some faceless organization, but rather information that can lead to positive change—then your readers have much more incentive to give thoughtful answers.

Encourage people to be happy to be part of the process.

Let’s take a look at a couple of good survey introduction examples from our fictional companies that follow this advice.

Customer surveys: feedback form introduction

Imagine that a customer has made a purchase from your shop, Absolutely Amazing Shoes , and you’d really like some customer feedback . Let’s look at how to introduce a survey you’d send to customers. First off, this person just bought something. So be gracious right off the bat. You’re happy they are a customer, right? Well, let them know.

The shop’s name is included, and stylised as their brand name. But the reader knows exactly who you are–so we can keep this to an absolute minimum here and still boost your brand recognition.

Readers know how quick this is going to be, and why they should give an answer.

Market research survey introduction

Undertaking market research is certainly different to customer feedback. But the same rules apply. Take a look at our example from Enough Plastic, a global anti-plastic NGO.

Let’s check this against our list from before.

Since this is possibly the first time the reader has heard of Enough Plastic, it’s important to add a short explanation. Readers get another way to learn more if they want, but you get the idea of this organization in a single sentence.

Letting your readers know this is a longer survey is important. For people who don’t want to take ten minutes on a survey, they see this right away and inaccurate answers don’t get included.

Readers are told about this study and are encouraged to give honest replies. Littering and wasteful behavior can be embarrassing to admit, so anonymity will be very important to anyone taking this survey.

The introduction ends with a sincere thank you and represents the global nature of not just the organization, but the planet as a whole.

How you ask is everything.

How to Write a Survey Introduction [+Examples]

Published: August 25, 2021

Writing a survey introduction probably isn't something you think about very often. That is until you're looking at the first screen of your almost finalized survey thinking "I should put something here. But what?"

Customer takes a customer service survey

While a potentially overlooked piece of the survey creation process, a good survey introduction is critical to improving survey completion rates and ensuring that the responses you receive are accurate. Taking the time to think about what information to include in your introduction can have a big impact on the success of your survey.

What is a Survey Introduction?

A survey introduction is the block of text that precedes the questions of your survey. It might be included at the top of an email requesting feedback or be the first slide in a series of questions. The survey introduction serves to set the stage for what the survey is, why the recipient should take the time to complete it, and what you're going to do with the information you collect. It should be compelling, informative, and reassuring.

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How to Write a Survey Introduction

Start by thinking about the purpose of this survey. Who will be taking the survey? What information do you need for the project to be successful? Distill this information down into a sentence or two for your audience. Some examples may include:

We're looking for feedback on our new product line for men.
Tell us about your recent customer service experience.
We're revamping our spring menu! What do you want for dinner?

Secondly, follow up with any logistical information they need to know about the survey. How many questions is it? When does the survey end? Who should they contact if they have additional questions? This might sound something like:

This 5 question survey will take around 10 minutes to complete.
Click below to access the short, two-question survey. For further information or feedback, please contact our support team at [email protected].
This survey will be open until April 24th, 2022. Please take 5 minutes to provide your feedback before that time.

Finally, reassure the survey participants that their data is safe, and offer any information about how the survey data will be used:

Your answers are anonymous and will be used to improve our future customer service strategy.
Responses will be anonymized and analyzed for our upcoming report on consumer perception of insurance companies in the US. Please leave your email address if you'd like to receive a copy of the finished report.
We read every response to our customer happiness surveys, and follow-up to make sure you're left with a positive experience.

No matter what you include in your survey introduction, make sure to keep it concise and as short as possible. Too long, and you risk readers dropping off and not completing your survey. It's also important to keep your survey messaging on-brand. If you typically use a brand voice that's quite corporate, switching to a conversational tone in your survey introduction will feel out of place. It might even make some readers question if the survey is truly coming from your company - causing distrust in its authenticity.

Finally, thank your respondents for their time. Even if their responses are negative, the fact that they're engaging with your survey is a great indicator of their loyalty . Customers will not take the time to provide feedback to companies they don't care about. Here are some phrases you can use to show your appreciation:

This feedback is very helpful for our team in developing new features. Thank you so much for taking the time to complete this survey.
We read every comment you leave on these surveys, so thank you for your feedback!
We truly appreciate your insight and your time.

Want to make sure you've got it all covered? Save this checklist of the most important aspects to include in the survey introduction:

How long will it take? (Minutes or number of questions)
Why are you doing this survey?
Why should they fill it out? Is there a giveaway for respondents (such as a draw for a $50 Amazon card) or another incentive to complete it?
What are you going to do with the results? Are they anonymous?
When does the survey close? What is the overall timeline?
Are there any definitions or things they need to know before filling out the survey?
Where should they go if they have questions or more feedback?
Thank your participants for their time and feedback.
Any additional information they need to fill out the survey with good, accurate data

Good Survey Introduction Examples

These survey introductions hit all the right notes. Read on for inspiration and additional tricks on how to write your own!

1. Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association (SORCA)

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How to write a survey introduction that will inspire people to participate

11 min read

What is a survey introduction—and what is its purpose?

1. the importance of a compelling introduction, 2. understand the audience, 3. personalization, 4. clear and concise language, 5. survey timing, 6. incentives and rewards, 7. privacy and data security, 8. contact information, 9. testing and feedback, 10. adapting to different survey types, 11. visual appeal, 12. a/b testing, 13. follow-up surveys, 14. compliance with ethical guidelines, 15. analyzing introduction performance, 16. continuous improvement, survey introduction example: a template for any type of research, introduction to a customer satisfaction survey, introduction to a market survey, student survey introduction sample, introduction to an employee survey, introduction for a research paper survey, introduction to a survey report, additional tips for creating the best survey introduction.

Creating a good introduction for a survey is a crucial part of successful research. Its quality will greatly impact the process. It will improve the end result, including survey completion rates and response accuracy.

A questionnaire introduction provides the chance to introduce yourself and the topic being explored to respondents. It is also a chance to assure them that their personal information will be kept safe and explain how they will benefit from completing the survey.

This article explores how to write a survey introduction, discusses its importance, and provides valuable, ready-to-use questionnaire introduction examples.

A questionnaire introduction is a short body of text appearing on the user’s screen at the beginning of a survey. It is the first contact point between you and potential participants prior to respondents seeing any of the survey questions .

This block of text sets up the level of cooperation that will be forthcoming from the person reading it. You need to convince them to participate by providing valuable information about the survey.

This includes the research topic, the expected time it will take to complete the survey, how responses will be processed, and why it’s in someone’s interest to take the time to complete it. The survey introduction can be in the body of an email or on the first slide of the survey.

Based on the introduction, potential respondents will decide whether to participate in the survey. It is an overall description of the survey, the equivalent of the abstract in a dissertation or other research paper.

How to write survey introduction text well

After spending days or even months making the perfect survey , you probably know it like the palm of your hand. However, it’s important to take time to better understand a respondent’s initial reaction to it—they may not be familiar with the topic at all.

As with every stage of the survey-making process, respondents’ perspectives have to be kept in mind and efforts undertaken to make their experience easy and worthwhile.

Here are 16 simple steps on how to write a survey introduction text to make it engaging.

The introduction in survey questionnaires serves as the gateway to a successful survey. A compelling one not only grabs the attention of respondents but also sets the tone for the entire surveying process. A well-framed introduction ensures that respondents understand the purpose and relevance of the survey, making them more inclined to complete it. Essentially, a thoughtful introduction can heavily influence the overall response rate and the quality of data collected.

Every survey is designed for a specific demographic or audience. Understanding them, and what drives them, allows for a tailored introduction that resonates. For instance, a survey meant for teenagers requires a different tone and approach than one aimed at senior citizens. By empathizing with the audience’s perspective, one can craft an introduction that speaks directly to their interests and motivations.

In today’s digital age, consumers appreciate distinctive touches. Personalizing a survey introduction, whether through addressing the respondent by name or referring to past interactions, adds a layer of authenticity. It gives the respondent a feeling of being valued and recognized, which can translate into a higher likelihood of participation.

Clarity is paramount in any communication. A good introduction for a questionnaire is vital in ensuring that respondents immediately understand the survey’s purpose and what’s expected of them. Avoid industry jargon or overly complex sentences. Instead, opt for straightforward and concise language that communicates the essentials without overwhelming or confusing respondents.

Timing can be a determining factor in the success of a survey. For instance, sending a customer satisfaction survey immediately after a purchase or service experience ensures the interaction is fresh in the respondent’s mind, leading to more accurate and detailed feedback. On the other hand, ill-timed surveys may come across as irrelevant or intrusive.

Motivation is a powerful tool. Offering respondents a tangible incentive—whether it’s a discount, gift card, or entry into a prize draw—can significantly boost participation rates. However, it’s essential that these incentives are relevant and appealing to the target audience and then delivered as promised.

With increasing concerns about data privacy, assuring respondents that their information’s safety is non-negotiable is vital. An introduction should clearly outline the measures taken to protect personal information and how the data being collected in the survey will be used. Being transparent about compliance with regulations like GDPR will instill confidence and trust in respondents.

Including contact details in the survey introduction can be a game-changer. It not only offers a channel for respondents to voice concerns or seek clarifications but also communicates transparency and openness. This proactive approach can lead to increased trust and a willingness to participate.

Like any piece of content, an introduction for a questionnaire benefits from testing. Running it by a small group—preferably from the target demographic—and seeking feedback can highlight potential areas for improvement. This iterative process ensures the introduction is optimized for its main audience.

Different surveys serve different purposes and their introductions should reflect this variance. An employee feedback survey will require a different tone and set of assurances than a market research questionnaire. Tailoring the introduction to the survey’s unique context ensures that it will resonate with potential respondents.

The aesthetics of a survey introduction can influence a respondent’s decision to proceed. Utilizing a clean, intuitive design incorporating on-brand colors and images can create an inviting and professional first impression. It’s essential to ensure the design enhances the content—as opposed to distracting from it.

Refinement is the key to perfection. A/B testing, in which two different introductions are presented to separate groups of respondents, can provide insights into which one performs better. This data-driven approach ensures that the introduction is continually optimized based on real-world feedback.

Gathering feedback is an ongoing process. Follow-up surveys, sent after the initial one, can delve deeper into specific topics or measure changes in opinions over time. However, their introduction needs to acknowledge the prior interaction and explain the rationale for a subsequent survey.

Conducting surveys isn’t just about gathering data, it’s about doing so ethically and responsibly. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and participant rights, should be highlighted in the introduction. This ensures participants are aware of their privileges and fosters a culture of respect.

After deploying a survey, it’s crucial to evaluate the introduction’s efficacy. By examining metrics like response rate, drop-off rate, and feedback, insights can be gained regarding the introduction’s strengths and the areas needing improvement. This analysis forms the foundation for future refinements.

The art of crafting survey introductions is one of continuous learning. As markets evolve and respondents’ preferences change, so should the survey approach. By staying adaptive and open to feedback, researchers can ensure their introductions remain effective and engaging.

Based on the checklist above, here is a survey introduction email example that fulfills all the requirements that will act as the perfect first contact with potential respondents.

Hey there, we would like to hear about your recent customer service experience!
At [company name], your satisfaction is what we value most. By participating in our survey, you will help us improve our products and offer you even better service.
This five-question survey takes only ten minutes to complete and is available until the 28th of November.
It is anonymous. The data gathered will only be used internally to improve our future customer service strategies.
Click below to access the survey. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us at support@company.com . We appreciate your feedback!

The wording of a questionnaire introduction and the information that is included can differ based on the field of research. Check out our survey introduction examples and choose an introduction sample best suited to your needs.

A customer satisfaction survey introduction is likewise an important part of customer experience research. The wording will have a huge impact on whether customers will take the time to answer—or just ignore it.

If surveying recent customer experience, send a survey shortly after customers purchased a product or had contact with the customer support team while the experience is still fresh in their mind.

Stay true to your company’s tone of voice and let respondents know that you appreciate their patronage. An incentive that encourages them to participate can also be offered. Here is a survey intro example:

Thank you for shopping at [company name]! We would like to ask you a few questions to learn about your shopping experience.

This survey will take only a couple of minutes and will be very valuable for improving the services we offer to you. The responses you give will stay anonymous.

Click below to participate, which will get you 30 percent off your next order!

Market research surveys are conducted to get more information about the situation in a specific economic sector and provide valuable real-time insights into the needs of a target audience and how the competition is doing.

Conducting product surveys can help improve existing products or make adjustments before releasing new products or services. Simply put, market research surveys help expand and grow a business.

When doing this kind of research, it is important to determine the target audience. If they are not yet customers, they may not be familiar with your brand, so make sure to introduce it properly and explain why they have been chosen for this research. Here is an example:

Nice to meet you! We are [company name], and we are working on bringing affordable [your products] to the world.
Our company aims to develop the best possible products for our customers, and we need your opinion to make this happen.
Wondering why we chose you? We are looking for [describe your target audience], which makes you a perfect fit.
We would appreciate it if you took the time to answer this five-minute survey. It is anonymous, and your data will be used only for this research.
Click below to fill out our survey and get 10 percent off our newest collection!

Student surveys are an important part of education surveys . With them, feedback is garnered from students regarding teachers, courses, curriculum, extracurricular activities, and much more.

Measuring students’ satisfaction levels helps highlight the strengths and weaknesses of a school, which in turn helps improve decision-making. However, in order to get accurate responses, certain steps are required, including how the introduction is written.

When making surveys for students, ensure they are anonymous. Many students may be afraid of retaliation, which will make them reluctant to give honest opinions.

Emphasize their anonymity in the introduction. Explain why this research is being carried out and how the gathered data will be used. Here is an example of a student questionnaire survey introduction:

Thank you for being one of our students at [name of your school]. Please take the time to answer this short five-minute survey and let us know how satisfied you are with your chosen courses from this semester.
This survey is anonymous, so feel free to answer honestly. It will very much improve the accuracy of our data and help us improve the curriculum as best as possible.

Conducting human resource surveys can greatly improve a workplace, which will result in happier and more productive employees. Find out about the work-life balance of employees and the overall company culture, measure the motivation and engagement of employees, and learn how satisfied they are with their jobs.

When writing the survey introduction, focus on the same aspects as above. Emphasize that the survey is anonymous and communicate this openly to employees. This will encourage them to share their honest opinions and help gather valuable and accurate responses.

Some research papers require conducting surveys on a particular topic. Writing a research questionnaire introduction for a research paper is no different than writing one for the previously mentioned purposes.

Introduce yourself and the topic to respondents and explain the purpose of the research and the benefit to them for participating. Include other information about the survey that you think is needed, though make sure to not overdo it. Keep it short and simple for high survey completion rates.

Writing a survey report is one of the seven steps of conducting survey research . It is the last one after the data analysis and is crucial to presenting findings.

A survey report introduction is very important for the success of a report. Its purpose is to introduce readers or listeners to the topic and the ultimate findings of the research.

The same advice applies: keep it short, use simple language, and incorporate only the most important information.

And above all, put yourself in the shoes of the audience. Unlike you, they have not been spending months with the survey and supporting material.

Good survey introductions help increase response rates and gain respondents’ trust. They are a perfect way for respondents to get to know you better, as well as the research topic and the ways they can benefit from it.

Here are some additional tips to create the best survey introductions, regardless of the topic of your research:

Make the survey anonymous and make sure respondents are aware of that.
Add a logo to the survey to increase brand recognition.
Don’t forget to keep the tone of voice on-brand.
If brand identity allows it, use a familiar tone.
Offer incentives for survey completion.
Thank the respondents for completing the survey.

Of course, before writing a survey introduction, you need to create the survey. With our help, amazing questionnaires can be made in no time. Sign up to Survey Planet today, create a survey for free, and add a well-written introduction using our tips!

Photo by Bench Accounting on Unsplash

Survey & Questionnaire Introduction: Examples + [5 Types]

Whether online or offline, you need to politely approach survey respondents and get them excited to fill your questionnaire when carrying out a research survey. Therefore, before going into the questions you want to ask, you need to kickstart your data collection process with a compelling survey or questionnaire introduction.

Generally, only a few people would even listen to you if you shoved your survey in their faces without a simple introduction first. Survey introductions in online questionnaires help you prepare the minds of your respondents ahead of time and gather the best responses.

What is a Survey Introduction?

A survey introduction is a concise description with relevant information about a survey. It is the first part of the survey that prospective respondents interact with and it helps them decide whether to fill your questionnaire or not.

Think of survey introductions as abstracts that communicate the entire essence of the data collection process. Without a good abstract, your thesis gets delayed or unapproved.

Following through with this thought means that the more exciting your survey introduction is, the higher your chances of collecting the right number of quality survey responses.

Features of a Survey Introduction

A good survey introduction must answer these 5 questions:

Who is conducting the survey?

Here, you should include the name of the person or organization that is carrying out the research.

What is the research about?

Survey respondents need to understand the aims and objectives of your research. This shows them why your survey is important and why they need to be part of it.

How long will the survey take?

Prepare their minds ahead of time by adding an estimated survey-completion time. While shorter surveys are likely to have more respondents, don’t give a false estimation to bait people to fill your survey.

Is my data safe?

Data privacy and protection is a huge concern for everyone. Since you plan to collect data from respondents, you need to tell them how you will use this information. You can include a link to your company’s privacy policy.

How will I fill the survey?

Include instructions on how to fill the survey. Include information about relevant documents for the survey too.

Your survey should be written in simple language your audience understands. It should be friendly, human and show the respondents how much impact they’ll make by taking part in the survey. Always include a nice “thank you” note in your survey introduction.

Types of Survey Introduction

Market survey introduction.

If you’re conducting market research using a survey , then you need a market survey introduction. To get more information about your customers/ target market, you need to conduct a market research survey. A market survey introduction gives your target audience a clear picture of what you want to achieve and how their participation is an important part of it.

Market research serves multiple purposes—sometimes, it is all about getting real-time data to inform product launches. Other times, it is for business expansion or product improvement. With a market survey introduction, you can get your audience on the same page and let them know the exact information you need from them.

A market survey introduction should answer all the questions we looked at when we discussed the features of a survey introduction. After naming your organization, you should also introduce your product or product idea for brand awareness.

Because of the type of information, market surveys are longer than other types of surveys ; sometimes, they have multiple sections. So, in your market survey introduction, give respondents a heads-up and let them know completing your survey will take more time than the average. You can add a nice reward they can claim after filling the survey.

Example of Market Survey Introduction

At Formplus, we are working to improve online data collection for you. We’d really like to know what you feel about online data gathering tools . Take this 20-minute survey and win a free 1-month Formplus premium subscription. Your data will be collected anonymously and only used for this research. Thank You!

Student Survey Introduction

A student survey is a method of sampling students’ opinions about the school, teachers, and overall learning experiences. From measuring student satisfaction to evaluating courses, student surveys help you to make the right changes to your school.

A student survey introduction is the first step in getting the best responses from your students. Encourage students to provide objective feedback and let them know how the information will be used.

In the survey introduction, indicate that all responses will be recorded anonymously. Students need to be sure that they can provide honest feedback in the survey without getting harassed or victimized.

Example of Student Survey Introduction

Thank you for being one of our students at Salthill College. Please complete this short 3-minutes survey to let us know how satisfied you are with your overall student experience at our college. All responses are recorded anonymously so feel free to provide honest feedback. Your responses will help us improve our teaching and learning environment.

Research Questionnaire Introduction

You need a good research questionnaire introduction during the data-collection phase of your research. People are more likely to fill your questionnaire when they clearly understand what you want to achieve and why your research is important.

In the research questionnaire introduction, you can include facts, data, or statistics about the research problem. Then, show how the data collected via the questionnaire will contribute to solving the problem. The introduction should also address data privacy, data protection, and participant’s consent.

Even if you plan to share the questionnaire physically, a good research questionnaire introduction will help collect responses faster and save time.

Example of Research Questionnaire Introduction

Hello, I am a postgraduate researcher at the London School of Tropical Medicine. I am conducting a study on effective treatment options for communicable diseases in West Africa and I would like to know your experiences with the signs, symptoms, and treatment of communicable diseases. Please complete this 30-minute survey. Your responses are anonymous and you can skip any questions you are not comfortable with. Thank you for your participation.

Customer Satisfaction Survey Introduction

Your customer satisfaction survey introduction should communicate 2 things—appreciation and brevity. First, you should let your customers know how much you love their patronage. Next, tell them that the survey will take just a few minutes.

Throw in an honorary mention of your brand and then, go through some of the information you’ll need from them in the survey. To increase response rates, you can reward respondents with a gift, discount, or special offer.

Example of Customer Satisfaction Survey Introduction

Thank you for shopping at Wreaths and Flowers! We’ll like to ask you a few questions about your shopping experience. Your responses will help us make shopping more enjoyable for you. This will only take 1 minute and you get 30% off your next order when you complete the survey!

Importance of Survey Introduction

It outlines the most important information about your survey

People need to know what they are getting into before filling your survey or questionnaire, and that’s exactly why you need a great survey introduction.

It’s a great way to welcome respondents

You wouldn’t just walk up to someone to ask for something without a proper introduction so why would you want to do this with your survey or questionnaire ? A questionnaire welcome page sets the mood for requesting responses from your respondents.

Quality survey introductions help you gain respondents’ trust

Many people are not excited about filling surveys and questionnaires, which is why they need a push. A survey or questionnaire introduction helps respondents to trust you and heightens their interest in filling your survey.

A survey introduction answers all the questions participants may have about the questionnaire. Think of it as some sort of FAQs that allows respondents to have a full grasp of your data collection process.

A questionnaire welcome page boosts survey participation and reduces survey dropout rates.

It helps survey participants to feel like an important part of the overall data gathering process. Survey introductions show participants that you value their opinions.

Survey introductions build the participants’ interest in your survey or questionnaire.

Why Use Formplus to Create Surveys?

Pre and Post Submission Page

Formplus allows you to add exciting survey introductions to your questionnaire. On the form’s intro page, you can provide a brief description of your survey, information on data privacy, and any other thing they need to know before filling the form.

You can also customize the form’s post-submission page and include a nice “thank you” note for respondents after they complete the survey or questionnaire. Learn more about our intro and post-submission pages here:

Intuitive Easy to Use Survey Maker

The Formplus builder is easy to use and you can build surveys and questionnaires from scratch in no time without writing a single line of code. It has a drag-and-drop feature that allows you to add more than 30 different fields to your form seamlessly.

Conditional Logic

Survey participants do not have to see or fill out all the fields in your form. With conditional logic, you can show or hide form fields and pages based on answers provided by respondents. This means survey respondents only have to fill the fields that are relevant to them.

Conditional logic helps you collect the right type of information from different survey participants. This way, you can avoid extra clutter and collect as much data as you want.

Offline Surveys

Formplus supports offline data collection and this means you can collect data in areas with poor or no internet access. Survey participants can fill and submit your questionnaire when they are offline. The data they provide will be automatically synced with our servers or your preferred cloud storage when internet access is restored.

Customized Surveys and Questionnaires

Formplus allows you to create beautiful and unique surveys with zero design experience. With the flexible design options, you can change the questionnaire’s background, colors, fonts, and create visually appealing designs. You can also add images and your organization’s logo.

Share Forms Easily

With multiple form-sharing options, you can send out your survey and collect responses in many ways. Apart from adding your questionnaire to your website, you can also share it using the social media direct sharing buttons and via email invitations.

Google Sheets Integration

With Google sheets integration, you can automatically update form responses in your spreadsheet and keep all form collaborators up to date. This makes it easy for you to import and export data, and collaborate with multiple people at the same time.

Custom Subdomain

Sharing your questionnaire via a custom subdomain adds an air of professionalism to your overall data collection process. When creating your custom URL, you can include the name of your organization as a means of promoting your brand.

Custom subdomains are simple and easy to remember too. Hosting your survey on a custom subdomain also serves as an extra layer of security; especially when you share the link via email.

Autoresponder Emails

After receiving a new response to your questionnaire, you can send out an automated automatic confirmation email to the survey participant in the form of autoresponder messages. In your autoresponder email, you should include a thank you message and any links to special offers and rewards.

Mobile-Friendly Forms

Many people fill out surveys and questionnaires on their mobile devices and this is why all Formplus forms are mobile-friendly. Participants can complete the survey right on their mobile devices without having to bother about pinching out or zooming in on your form. Formplus forms can be viewed and filled out on any smartphone, tablet, or internet-enabled mobile device.

In this article, we’ve looked at different survey introductions for different types of questionnaires and surveys including customer satisfaction surveys and research questionnaires. Whether you are collecting data online or offline, the right survey introduction will boost participants’ interest in completing your survey.

With Formplus, you can add unique survey introductions to your form before sharing it with respondents. On the post-submission page, you can include a beautiful “thank you” note for respondents who complete your survey. Try out the pre and post-submission page option as well as other exciting features when you sign up for a free Formplus account.

Connect to Formplus, Get Started Now - It's Free!

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How to Create a Survey

How to write a survey introduction (plus examples)

The first thing participants should see when they open a survey is a survey introduction. It’s a crucial piece of the survey puzzle, providing information about the survey topic, who’s conducting the survey, the goal of the research, and any other pertinent details that may encourage people to participate.

In other words, a survey introduction is your opportunity to make a good first impression — and to make a strong case for why recipients should help you out.

The tone of your introduction can be warm, funny, formal — even somber — depending on the goal of your survey. Done right, a good introduction can warm participants up to your request and make them more willing to respond.

Just so you know

Learn how to make a survey with our complete guide or get started today with Jotform’s free online survey maker !

The importance of survey introductions

Most people don’t want to spend their time filling out a survey if they can help it. Even if you offer them an incentive, say, a gift card or other reward, people may not take the time to fill out your survey thoughtfully and accurately.

A good survey introduction can solve these issues by providing important context for the participant. Consider the introduction as not just an informative piece, but also a light sales pitch — you’re essentially trying to convince participants to dedicate their time and energy to completing your survey as accurately and honestly as possible.

When done right, a survey introduction can do a few important things:

Boost response rates: A clearly stated, convincing objective is more likely to make participants believe that the survey is worth their time.
Set clear expectations: Informing participants on what the topic is, how much time the survey will take, and how you’ll use their answers helps build trust and reduces survey abandonment.
Increase engagement: A well-crafted introduction can make any topic — even a dry or technical one — more intriguing. It can also help make participants more invested in completing the survey.
Improve response quality: An introduction that clearly explains why participants’ input matters sets the stage for more thoughtful responses to your questions.

Keep reading to learn how to craft a perfect survey welcome message.

The ideal survey introduction: Important details to include

The name of your company or organization.

If you met a stranger on the street, you wouldn’t ask them for a favor without properly introducing yourself, would you? The same principle applies to an online survey — people want to know the person or organization behind it. Your survey introduction should identify who you are and include your company’s logo and name for brand recognition.

If your survey is intended for an audience that’s familiar with your organization, your logo and name will help respondents feel more confident about filling it out. If your audience isn’t acquainted with your organization, then it’s even more important to identify yourself. If you fall into the latter group, give a brief description of your organization, explain what you do, and include a link to your website or another place where they can find more information.

The goal of the survey

Make your objectives clear. State the goal of your research and what it will help you achieve. The more your readers understand your goal for the survey, the more likely you’ll be to get responses. Being transparent about the purpose of your research will engender trust and make people more willing to complete your survey.

Privacy and confidential information

Privacy is a big deal — people want to know how you’ll process the information they provide and how you’ll handle their personal information. Let everyone know up front whether their responses will be anonymous or not.

If you’ll be collecting personal information, let your respondents know what you intend to do (or not do) with that information. For instance, if you need their email address to follow up with them, make sure they know they can opt out at a later date if they decide not to continue with the survey.

The time required to complete the survey

The length of your survey can be a deal-breaker — people are busy, and they want to know right away how much time your survey will take to complete. This is why you should ask only the most essential questions pertaining to your goal.

So give a realistic estimate of how long it might take to complete your survey. For a more accurate estimate, take the survey yourself (or ask someone to do it for you) so you can see how long it takes to reasonably answer the questions.

Other relevant information or instructions

Each survey is different, so use your best judgment about any information you should disclose. Your goal is to be as transparent as possible so your respondents don’t find any unpleasant surprises ahead. If you think something could pose a problem, then it’s probably a good idea to state it in your welcome message.

Examples of good survey introductions

Let’s look at a few real-life examples of surveys that have great introductions or welcome messages, and see what we can learn from them.

Example 1: Keep it short

This survey by Resco Products shows respect for the user’s time. It gives the exact number of questions in the survey and the approximate time needed to complete it. In Jotform Cards , you can display the question count as part of your survey introduction.

Example 2: Make the terms clear

This survey about cycling habits lets participants know how the organization will use the data the survey collects. It also explicitly asks people to agree to the terms before giving them access to the survey.

Example 3: Say it with video

This survey uses an introductory video instead of a written introduction to get participants’ attention. Videos are far more engaging than text. In fact, one study showed that social video gets a lot more shares than text or images — a shocking 1,200 percent more for video than the other two combined.

If your introductory video hits the right note with your participants, you could see a lot more shares and responses.

Example 4: Provide necessary details

Survey introductions are best when they’re short and sweet, but there are occasions when you need to get into the details.

This COVID-19 rapid assessment survey explains the reasoning behind the survey in a comprehensive way, and here’s why: Not only does the survey ask for personal health information, but the organizers also want to follow up on the participants as appropriate. In this instance, participants need all the information they can get about the survey’s importance and how the organization will handle their personal data.

Example 5: Stay upbeat

How to write a survey introduction (plus examples) Image-1

This survey from the National Bicycle Organization projects an enthusiastic and positive tone. It also tries to promote a sense of “we’re all in this together” by using inspirational language: “Be part of the 1st 1,000 responders who will change history.” If your survey situation calls for it, include some inspirational words of your own to encourage people to respond.

Create the perfect survey introduction with Jotform

A well-crafted survey introduction will, in many cases, encourage users to fill out your survey. Using the Jotform Form Builder , you can customize a welcome screen that includes your survey introduction. Jotform’s flexible features allow you to customize your survey introduction and your survey to meet your needs.

Learn how to create a survey introduction in Jotform below using either the card or classic form types. Classic forms are the more traditional, scrollable versions of forms, while cards present questions or prompts one at a time.

How to create a survey introduction for a Jotform Cards form

Survey introductions — called “welcome pages” in Jotform — are built into Jotform Cards, so all you need to do is customize them to suit your needs.

Follow these steps:

Select a survey template. We’ll use this software survey form as an example.
Click Edit Welcome Page.

A screenshot of Jotform's form builder interface showing an in-progress software survey creation

Upload a new image that corresponds with the survey. This may be your company’s logo or an image related to the survey topic. If you want to use an icon instead, Jotform offers a large library to choose from.

You can also simply remove the image altogether if you don’t want to include one.

A pop-up window displaying a variety of icons to select for a 'Welcome Image Properties' setting

Change the headline and subheading to fit your needs.
Show or hide the question count, then click another form element or click in any open space to save your changes.

The image shows a user interface for a software survey form with options to start or edit the survey

How to create a survey introduction for a classic Jotform form

Classic forms don’t have built-in welcome pages, so you’ll need to create one. No worries — it’s a super simple, quick process!

Select a survey template. We’ll use this customer service survey as an example.
At the top of the form, click + Add Welcome Page (or + Edit Welcome Page if the template already includes a welcome page).

A screenshot showing the Jotform interface for editing a Customer Service Survey form

Build your welcome page into a proper survey introduction by adding form elements such as a survey title, logo or other image, and your introductory text. You can also select Click to add question count to display the number of questions in the survey.

See how easy it is to create your survey introduction? All it takes is a few steps — so you can start building forms with Jotform today!

Thank you for helping improve the Jotform Blog. 🎉

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Creating an engaging introduction to a survey: Our how-to guide

Last updated

29 May 2023

Reviewed by

Tanya Williams

The first step is to get them to view the survey and reel them in with a compelling introduction. This aspect of a survey can profoundly impact its results.

Let’s look at how to craft a perfect survey introduction for quality results.

What is a survey introduction?

The opening lines of a survey form a survey introduction, providing an overview of:

What the survey’s about

Why you’re conducting it

What participants can expect

It functions as a hook that encourages people to complete the survey.

The introduction sets the tone for the entire survey, influencing the participants' willingness to complete it accurately.

The ideal survey introduction: Key details to include

The introduction needs to include key details to maximize the chances of would-be participants becoming actual participants.

These play an essential role in getting people engaged with the topic and helping them decide whether they want to participate.

Often, when people have unanswered questions, they'll pass on the survey instead of wasting their time. Providing key information upfront reduces the chances of that happening.

Introduce the survey creator

Who are you?

If you're asking people for their information (especially if it’s personal), they'll want to know who's asking for it.

Always introduce yourself or your organization within the survey introduction. Tell people why they should trust you with the information you're requesting.

Explain the purpose of the survey

Why are you asking?

People are often very willing to provide information if they know it’s going toward a cause they care about or deem worthy of their data.

They're often much less open when the purpose of sharing is unclear. Explain what you’ll use the data for and why it’s important.

Explain how you’ll use the data

How will you use the data?

This is the usual follow-up question people will have after learning what the data’s for.

People want to ensure their data is safe in an increasingly privacy-conscious world. That means you’ll use it for the intended purpose, not in a way they may disagree with or find objectionable.

Be upfront and honest about how you’ll process the data and who will be doing the processing.

Estimated time to complete the survey

How long will the survey take?

All of us have started something, thinking it would only take a few moments. When it's something we want to do, this isn't such a big deal.

But if someone volunteers their time, they don't want to find out halfway through that it will take much longer than anticipated.

Give your respondents a timeframe to encourage completion.

Any other relevant information

We’ve provided a general overview of what you should mention in your survey introduction. However, only you know your survey’s specifics.

If you think more information will make it easier for someone to decide whether to participate, be sure to include it.

For example, a complex or confusing survey might include instructions to set readers at ease.

Survey introduction writing tips

In addition to the critical details above, these tips may ease respondents' minds and encourage participation:

A simple thank you can go a long way

Express your gratitude for the time participants take to respond to you. This can make them feel appreciated, increasing the chances they'll want to help you. It’ll motivate them to complete the survey thoughtfully and honestly.

Keep it brief and to the point

Nobody wants to spend ages deciding if they want to give you their time. A lengthy introduction defeats the purpose, and it’ll push participants away rather than reel them in.

Create an inviting and friendly atmosphere

You're asking people to give you their time and thoughts, so it’s important to be as welcoming as possible.

A warm, inviting atmosphere will lower your participants’ guard and make them feel more comfortable helping you.

Use a conversational tone

Surveys have a reputation for being boring and tedious. You can combat this by adopting a conversational tone.

If your introduction is stuffy and difficult to read, the participant will assume the survey is the same.

Avoid the word “survey”

Another way to distance yourself from the negative connotations of surveys?

Just don’t say survey.

Instead, you can use more neutral terms like questionnaire or feedback form. Or, you can simply say you'd like to ask a few questions.

Highlight any incentives or rewards

Sometimes, people conducting surveys offer incentives or rewards to encourage participation.

If you're offering an incentive, mention it early to ensure the participant sees it.

Examples of good survey introductions

Using some of the tips above, we can see what informative survey introductions look like.

Employee satisfaction feedback form

"Hey [Employee Name], we appreciate everything you do at [company name]!

We want to ensure you love working here, and we’re looking for ways to improve things. Can you help us out by taking our quick employee satisfaction feedback form?

It won't take more than [estimated time] of your time, and your input will help us create a work environment that everyone enjoys.

Thanks for your help!"

Customer experience questionnaire

"Hey there, [customer name]!

We're so happy to have you as a [company name] customer.

We're always striving to provide the best service possible, so we want to know how we're doing!

Would you mind taking a quick customer experience questionnaire? It'll only take [estimated time], and your feedback will help us improve our service to better meet your needs.

Thanks for being awesome!"

Product/service opinion poll

"Hey, [product/service] lover!

We're always looking for ways to make [product/service] better and more awesome.

Can you help us out by taking our quick opinion poll? It'll only take [estimated time], and your feedback will help us ensure our offerings meet your needs.

Thanks for being a part of our journey!"

Use our tips to craft a great survey introduction, compelling respondents to answer your survey. Keep your introduction friendly, clear, and concise to ensure accurate responses for quality insights.

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How to Write a Survey Introduction? Guide with Examples

Surveys can be instrumental in gathering insights, but their success often depends on the introduction. Crafting a well-written survey introduction can lead to higher response rates and ensure that the survey data collected is highly relevant. This guide will cover all the essential elements that a compelling survey introduction should have, provide examples for different types of surveys, and offer additional tips to help you optimize your response rates to gather honest feedback.

Survey Introduction “Must Have”

Conducting research or an online survey can be a daunting task. As well as… completing one.

When you think back to the last time you completed one, you may remember what motivated you to do it. Most likely, you found it worthwhile and understood its purpose.

A survey is usually introduced with a welcome message that explains why your feedback is essential and how it will be used. Introductions are like sales pitches; the survey author must persuade the respondent to believe them. By doing so, the study can gain valuable insights.

Let’s explore how to create an effective survey introduction and collect customer feedback .

Surveys for Master and Bachelor Degree Thesis

This template will help you get information on how parents can provide support for their children’s educational development.

How to Write a Survey Introduction

Here are five proven ways to write a good welcome message to survey participants.

Identify Yourself Clearly and Professionally

Transparency is critical in the world of surveys. The first element of a compelling introduction is identifying yourself or your organization. Ensure your introduction reflects a professional tone, aligning with your brand image. A professional introduction establishes credibility and assures respondents of the survey’s legitimacy.

Explain the Survey’s Purpose

When participants comprehend the reason behind their selection for a survey, it brings in a level of customization. Whether it’s because they are esteemed customers, respected employees, or belong to a specific group, clarifying the criteria for selection establishes a bond. This bond, in turn, nurtures a feeling of purpose and enhances the likelihood of sincere responses.

Provide an Estimate of Completion Time with Accuracy

It’s vital to respect respondents’ time when conducting surveys. Providing an accurate estimate of the time required to complete a survey can help set clear expectations and ensure valuable feedback. Misleading forecasts can lead to frustration and negatively impact data quality.

Reassure Respondents About Privacy

Protecting privacy is a top priority. Communicate data collection process: how data is collected, stored, and used to ensure trust and confidence from potential respondents.

Express Sincere Gratitude

Expressing gratitude is an essential art that should never be underestimated in survey introductions. A simple phrase like “thank you” at the end of your intro can go a long way in acknowledging the time and effort your respondents are about to invest. This small gesture can significantly influence their willingness to provide feedback.

Survey Introduction Examples

We already know what a good survey introduction should include. Now, we’ll examine real-life examples demonstrating how to use such messages; we’ll see that they are easier to write than they seem.

Employee Satisfaction Survey Introduction

“Dear [Participant Name],

Your commitment to Startquestion is the bedrock of our success. This survey is a testament to our dedication to ensuring your satisfaction. Your insights will shape the future of our workplace. Anticipated completion time: 5 minutes. Rest assured, your privacy is safeguarded.

Thank you for being the heart of our Company.”

Customer Satisfaction Survey Introduction

“Hello [Participant Name],

At Pied Piper, your satisfaction is our driving force. Your recent experience matters to us. This survey, taking approximately 7 minutes, is a direct path to enhancing your future interactions with us. Your responses are confidential and secure.

Thank you for being an integral part of our journey!”

Patient Satisfaction Survey

If you run a clinic or a facility providing professional healthcare, our survey template will help you quickly gain key knowledge about patient satisfaction.

Research Survey Introduction

Your role in our research is invaluable. This survey delves into [research topic], aiming for a comprehensive understanding. Estimated completion time: 10 minutes. Your privacy and confidentiality are paramount.

Thank you for advancing knowledge alongside us!”

Student Survey Introduction

Your perspective is instrumental in shaping the future of [School/College]. This survey, focusing on student experiences, will take approximately 6 minutes. Your responses are entirely anonymous, preserving your privacy.

Thank you for contributing to the evolution of our learning environment!”

Market Research Survey Introduction

Your expertise is crucial for our ongoing market research. You’ve been selected for your insights in [industry]. This survey, tailored for professionals like you, will take about 8 minutes. Your insightful responses will shape industry trends, and your privacy is our commitment.

Thank you for contributing to our collective knowledge!”

Crafting a Good Introduction: Additional Tips

A survey introduction example such as the ones above will encourage respondents to participate in your survey. The more personalized it is and better suited to the situation (e.g., customer satisfaction surveys sent after finalizing the purchase asking for the evaluation of the transaction in the online store), the greater the chance for a satisfactory response rate.

Here are more relevant instructions to help you with this task.

Infuse Brand Personality

Aligning tone, language, and visuals with your brand recognition will infuse your survey with your brand’s personality, creating a memorable brand interaction and reinforcing your identity.

Tailor Your Tone to Your Audience

Consider your audience when writing your survey introduction. For example, use a professional tone for professionals and a casual tone for a younger demographic. It will improve relatability and engagement.

Offer Tangible Incentives

Incentives can be powerful motivators. Consider offering respondents tangible benefits, such as discounts, exclusive access, or the chance to win a prize. It acknowledges their time and transforms the survey into a mutually beneficial activity.

Ensure Clear and Concise Instructions

Ambiguous survey instructions can cause confusion and incomplete responses. Ensure clarity and simplicity for accurate and thoughtful feedback.

Optimize for Mobile Devices

It’s essential to optimize surveys for mobile devices due to increasing reliance on smartphones. It ensures accessibility for respondents who prefer taking surveys on their mobile devices, expanding your reach and participation.

Writing a Survey Introduction: Sum Up

The introduction to a survey is a crucial component that builds trust and transparency and sets the tone for the entire experience.

Being transparent makes participants more likely to share their honest opinions, leading to valuable insights and better participant engagement. Providing an estimate of the completion time for the survey shows respect for the respondents’ time and manages expectations, creating a positive atmosphere that influences the quality of responses.

The Better Experience, the More Thoughtful Responses

By creating a compelling introduction, you make a strategic decision that can lead to richer insights, increased participant satisfaction, and better outcomes.

Remember that the survey introduction is the foundation of the entire survey experience and can impact the engagement and quality of the data collected. Focusing on composing a well-crafted introduction is the first step toward building a successful survey that yields valuable results.

Ready to start collecting honest responses?

We’re here for you.

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Author: Dariusz Jaroń

Updated: 02 February 2024

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How to Frame and Explain the Survey Data Used in a Thesis

Surveys are a special research tool with strengths, weaknesses, and a language all of their own. There are many different steps to designing and conducting a survey, and survey researchers have specific ways of describing what they do.

This handout, based on an annual workshop offered by the Program on Survey Research at Harvard, is geared toward undergraduate honors thesis writers using survey data.

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Managing and Manipulating Survey Data: A Beginners Guide
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Introduction to Surveys for Honors Thesis Writers
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Survey introduction examples that actually work

Written June 22, 2017
by Rens Deckers

Writing a solid survey introduction is not a waste of time.

You’ve created a survey and you need answers. Preferably without respondents going “NOPE” at seeing the word “survey” in their mailbox.

It’s your one window to get in, create a feeling of sympathy and make people feel like “Mmkay, I want to help these guys out with my answers”.

In fact, it’ll be the same trigger that pushes you to read this article or not. (No hard pushes though, just a gentle nudge. OK?) There are a few essentials that make up an irresistible survey introduction. We’ve collected all of them for you in a useful list and written up a good (copyable!) example of each approach. And one PERFECT template that combines them all.

4 Aspects of writing a solid survey introduction

1. provide all (relevant) necessary information.

Based on what you want to ask and who, choose from the items below. Don’t write an endless introduction for the sake of being correct.

Limit yourself to giving the essential information, and the trigger that your audience needs to take action. Let people know:

– What’s your purpose?

If I asked you a bunch of questions, you’d want to know why I’m asking and why I’m asking YOU specifically.

Being clear and transparent about your purpose will help people see you as “someone they can help”. Give them a chance to be a hero for one day. 😉

Simply state the reason for your survey and what you want to achieve with it, will persuade more people to complete it.

Use this template : We’d really like to find out how you feel about [research topic]

Saying what your purpose is, helps people value your research.

But actually showing what you do with your research , that’ll just draw them right in!

If you have previous results you can refer to and tie this to how people can help you now.

Don’t think, do it!

– Is it private?

Privacy is tricky as it is. With people becoming more and more aware of the importance of their personal information, it’s necessary that you are up front.

Always be clear about what you plan to do (or not do) with the collected information and you’ll ease respondents into answering more truthfully.

Use this template : No! We don’t want to spam you in any way. So don’t worry, you will remain completely anonymous.

If your respondents aren’t anonymous, be clear to state what will happen to their information and why:

Use this template: We appreciate you letting us know who you are. We don’t want to spam you in any way, the data we collect will be used only for this research.

Extra tip: There’s only so much room in an introduction screen. If you want to be thorough, you can always add a link to your privacy policy in one of the slides before you ask your respondent to submit their answers.

Just in case you do plan to reach out to them afterwards. Always give respondents the option to “opt out” :

Use this template: If you want to be informed about the results of this survey and receive other news from [company name], enter your email here.

– How long will it take?

This is THE most frequently asked question when people take a survey. Try to give your respondents a realistic estimate of the time it’ll take to answer your questionnaire.

Now let’s be honest!

We both know that your 10 open-ended questions will not get answered if you promised that the survey would only take a minute.

It’s up to you, not only to be honest about the duration, but also to make sure that you limit your survey to the essential questions and no more.

Respondents can and will abandon you for this.

When we send out surveys through email we will always write something along the lines of “This survey will only take 49 seconds of your time. Really! We timed it 😉 “.

(We actually do time it!)

Use this template: We realize how precious your time is. That’s why we made sure this survey will only take a quick [amount of time – preferably in seconds].

– What’s in it for me?

People want to win stuff. It’s simple.

Winning does not necessarily mean a big prize. People like to get knowledge in return, have a little fun with a game, get a coupon, …

Incentives are the perfect and easiest way to boost your participation rates. (Aside from the introduction examples, make sure the incentive is relevant and useful. Big and expensive does not equal relevance!)

Even people who are initially uninterested can be won over with a well-chosen incentive. Add more power and a little tease by adding a picture or video of the incentive.

Use this template: Think we were going to let you leave empty handed? 🙂 Take this survey and have a chance at WINNING our big prize [that you should specify here]!

– What audience am I in? Of course, your survey will have a certain target audience. So when approaching potential respondents about a survey, make sure to inform them about this chosen target audience.

Quickly let them know why you chose this segment and how your respondent fits in. It’ll increase their recognition of how they can help you personally.

Use this template: Wondering why we chose you? We’re looking for [that which specifies your target audience]. And that’s why you’re a perfect fit!

– Who am I answering these questions for?

Knowing from which company the survey originates is another way of convincing your target audience.

Give some basic information about yourself as participants will be more reluctant to share any data with an unknown company.

Use this template: Nice to meet you! We are [company name] and [a little bit more about your company, or jump straight to the purpose of your research]

2. A simple thank you

Power up your survey introduction with a thank you note.

Hey, it’s not only a sign of appreciation, it’s the least you can do!

Your participants are giving up their time for you to benefit from.

They are not gaining anything from doing this (except maybe your super relevant incentive). Try your best to make this experience as human and “spontaneous” as possible by adding a personal touch, especially by thanking your respondents.

(Thank you, by the way. You’re doing an awesome job reading all the way to the end… )

Use this template: We personally want to thank YOU for every second invested in our research. You rock!

If your company and research allows it, make this even more personal. Give your brand a face. Adding a real person’s name works just as well in surveys as it does in a newsletter, blog post or podcast.

Use this template: Thanks for helping us out. From all of us at [company name], [your name] [your title (optional)]

3. Less is more

Take everything you’ve learned in the previous steps… And now scratch that!

We recommend to always write your survey introduction text as short as possible.

???? … Sorry, I know!

People – especially those in a hurry – don’t want to waste their time reading page-long introductions before finally being able to start your survey. Use only the essentials from the above tips. Then go ahead and just make your point.

By writing up your survey introduction as short as possible, you force yourself to only focus on the most important message . And you don’t waste respondents’ time even before they’ve taken the survey. Getting them in is what’s most important.

Tip: If you want to analyze the way users read your surveys in order to predict their performance more accurately, maybe one of the AI consulting tools we looked at, Neurons, has what you need.

4. Inviting atmosphere is key

The first step for your introduction is making sure people will enter your survey and answer questions. Your second priority, is making sure they’re honest.

Here’s how to get that done:

Honesty: “You get what you give. What you put into things is what you get out of them.” – Jennifer Lopez.

Don’t expect your participants to blindly answer in a truthful way if they don’t know the full picture surrounding your study. Offer all corresponding information from the very beginning to avoid sloppy data which could lead to “brand dilution”.

Neutrality: Try to remain neutral throughout your entire survey, not just your introduction. You often see companies using one liners like “leading company in our niche” or “Bringing you the best service”. Don’t do this! As it will only create confusion and prejudice instead of confidence and reliable data.

Now let’s summarize, and get to the good stuff:

The perfect survey introduction example

Followed all of the steps above? Nice! You will have a survey introduction that is perfect and by the book!

Does it look like it got a bit too long? Too much info? Simply not as appealing as you thought it would be?

We wrote up a short, generic and to-the-point version for you to use. The perfect survey introduction example:

Use the ultimate template:

Hey, glad to see you around here! First of all, let me thank you for taking our [survey duration] survey. You are a great help! 🙂 We at [company name] are on a daring quest to collect the right data about [survey subject]. Our target audience involves everyone who [target audience]. This is why we chose you! And don’t worry, your data is just for [where you will use it] ]so [be clear about their privacy]. We promise! – Get started and take your chance to WIN [a grand prize]

It’s most important to make this introduction represent you as a brand, organization or person. It’s the first step of starting up a conversation.

And don’t be afraid to entertain: Don’t bore, get more. 😉

Extra tips & inspiring introduction examples

1. increase brand recognition.

Hey it’s you!

By adding your logo at the top of your intro screen , you’ll increase brand recognition without having to push it forward during the entire survey.

Make people feel like they’re talking to an old friend.

2. Use a conversational tone

Most people still associate surveys with these boring tasks that are basically – let’s face it – a waste of their time.

Spice up your language and bring some humanity into your questions .

Making your surveys more conversational will benefit your participation and completion rate tremendously!

EXTRA: If your brand and tone of voice allow it, throw in an interjection here and there. A “yee-hah” to show joy or an “ooh-la-la” to let respondents know they can win a prize?

Works like a charm.

Take a look at this list of interjections , for exclamations in every kind of situation.

3. Turn a frown upside down with emoticons

Go back 15 years in time and nobody would even THINK of using a smiley face. Well, that period is over and now it’s totally fine.

In fact, did you know that the use of emoticons in your communication increases the empathy towards your brand ? Perfect to express the mood of your survey, if your message is a playful one.

4. What’s in a name? Don’t use the word “survey”

Long, boring, difficult, too much work, … the word “survey” brings out some awful associations. We cannot blame our respondents. Instead, ask people to answer “a few questions” or to “spare a minute of their time”.

By avoiding the actual word you’ll see an increase in clicks and actual responses. This works in the introduction screen of your questionnaire, but in your email invites as well for example.

Keep in mind though that you should stick to just 4 questions if that’s what you said!

5. Show off the (incentive) goodies

A reward for answering a couple of questions lowers the threshold tremendously! Even more so if there’s a game or contest connected to the reward . The thrill of playing and possibly winning something is a perfect addition to your survey introduction.

6. In all seriousness

There’s a time and place for everything, so if your questionnaire is much too serious for smileys or “whoopees”, you can still write up a longer introduction that eases the respondent into the setup.

A competency assessment, like the above example, is something that requires more information. They managed to put quite a lot of it in the introduction, but decided to refer to an informative page via a hyperlink in case an employee would like to read up before getting started.

Create your own assessment for free!

About the author:.

Rens Deckers

10 responses.

Great tips to help get engagement and not sound like one more boring request for info

Thank you for taking the time to offer this guidance.

One of the great article! Precise and Clear Information, Kudos!!!

I should have read this in the past. I could have a great format. Thank you!

Thanks a lot. This will really help me.

Fruitful & eye opening. Thank you very much.

Thank you for your fantastic tips.

Great Tips. Took something away. Always good.

Quite helpful for a lively sourcing of needed information. Thank you lots.

Thanks for sharing!

Attain Global: How to do psychometric tests right and build a cutting-edge international business [case study]

In many countries worldwide, the pursuit of skillful and engaged employees is not so much a war on talent as

Boost audience engagement with hot take questions

We’ve all seen them – those social media posts that make you stop scrolling and do a double-take. The ones

How youth development specialist Halogen reaches thousands of young Singaporeans with Pointerpro [case study]

Singapore, in Southeast Asia, is a global, economic powerhouse with a population of a little less than 6 million people.

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Mastering Survey Success: Crafting Effective Introductions

Survey research is a powerful tool for gathering insights and feedback from your target audience. But if your survey introduction is lackluster or confusing, it can significantly impact the quality of the data you collect. That’s why it’s essential to master the art of crafting effective survey introductions that engage your audience and set the tone for the rest of the survey.

A successful survey introduction is like a firm handshake; it establishes trust and communicates the value of the survey to the participant. It sets expectations for what the survey will cover, why it matters, and how their feedback will be used. An effective introduction should grab the respondent’s attention, motivate them to participate, and guide them through the survey questions.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key elements of an effective survey introduction, including how to hook your audience, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure your survey questions align with your research objectives. With these tips, you can create introductions that set the stage for collecting high-quality data and actionable insights. So, let’s dive in and master the art of crafting survey introductions that deliver results.

What Is a Survey Introduction?

A survey introduction is the opening section of a survey questionnaire that serves as an introduction to the survey itself. It typically includes a brief explanation of the purpose and importance of the survey, as well as an invitation to participate. This is a critical part of the questionnaire as it sets the tone for the rest of the survey, establishes expectations, and motivates the respondent to participate.

An effective introduction to a survey should be clear, concise, and engaging. It should communicate the value of the survey to the respondent and explain why their feedback is important. The introduction should also provide any necessary context or background information that will help the respondent understand the survey questions and provide accurate answers.

A well-crafted introduction can increase the response rate and ensure that the data collected is accurate and actionable.

What Is the Importance of Survey Introduction and Its Benefits?

The survey introduction is a critical component of a survey questionnaire as it serves several important purposes and offers several benefits.

First, the introduction is important because it sets the tone for the rest of the survey. It provides the first impression of the survey to the respondent, and a well-crafted introduction can help engage the respondent and increase their motivation to complete the survey.

Second, the introduction provides context and establishes expectations for the survey respondent. It communicates the purpose of the survey, the type of questions that will be asked, and the value of the data being collected. This helps to ensure that respondents understand the survey and are more likely to provide accurate and useful responses.

Finally, an effective introduction to survey can help increase response rates. By clearly explaining the value of the survey and why the respondent’s input is important, the introduction can motivate respondents to participate and provide thoughtful responses.

Overall, a well-crafted survey introduction is essential for engaging respondents, gathering accurate data, and increasing response rates.

But how do you write a good introduction for surveys?

Let’s delve into it!

What Do We Explain in Introduction to Surveys?

In an introduction to the survey, you should explain several key elements to the survey respondent to help them understand the purpose and value of the survey. These elements include:

1. The purpose of the survey

Clearly explain why the survey is being conducted and what insights you hope to gain from it. This helps to give respondents a clear understanding of what they are contributing to.

2. The type of questions that will be asked

Explain the topics that the survey will cover and the types of questions that will be asked. This can help to set expectations and give respondents an idea of the level of detail that is required.

3. The target audience

Let respondents know who the survey is targeted towards and who will be using the data collected.

Read More: How to Find Survey Participants & Respondents

4. Confidentiality and anonymity

Explain how the data collected will be used and how it will be kept confidential and anonymous. This can help to assure respondents that their input is valuable and that their privacy will be respected.

5. The benefits of participation

Convey the benefits of participating in the survey and how the data collected will be used. This can help motivate respondents to complete the survey and provide thoughtful responses.

Overall, a survey introduction should provide enough information to help respondents understand the survey’s purpose and value, set expectations, and motivate them to provide accurate responses.

6 Key Features of a Powerful Survey Introduction

The features of a survey introduction should include:

1. Brief and concise

The introduction should be brief and concise, ideally no more than a few sentences or a short paragraph. It should clearly and succinctly convey the purpose of the survey and why the respondent’s input is valuable.

2. Engaging

The introduction should be engaging and encourage the respondent to participate in the survey. This can be achieved by highlighting the benefits of participating or by using an attention-grabbing statement.

3. Clear and easy to understand

A well-crafted introduction should be clear and easy to understand. Avoid using technical jargon or complex language that might confuse the respondent.

4. Honest and transparent

The introduction should be honest and transparent about the purpose of the survey, how the data will be used, and the expected duration of the survey.

5. Relevant and specific

The introduction should be relevant and specific to the survey topic. It should explain why the survey is being conducted, what topics it will cover, and what type of feedback is being sought.

6. Personalized

If possible, the introduction should be personalized to the respondent. This can be achieved by addressing the respondent by name or by using information about their demographics or past interactions with the organization.

To sum up, a well-crafted survey introduction should be engaging, clear, and honest. It should provide enough information to help respondents understand the purpose of the survey.

7 Tips for Writing a Better Introduction for Survey

Here are some tips for writing a better survey introduction:

1. Start with a compelling statement

Starting a survey with a compelling statement can be a game-changer. For example, “ Did you know that 90% of Americans struggle with time management? ” is a statement that would grab the attention of many respondents who can relate to the struggle of managing their time.

Another example could be, “ Are you tired of constantly worrying about your financial future? ” This statement could resonate with respondents concerned about their financial well-being. By starting with a statement that addresses a common pain point or concern, you can engage your audience and encourage them to provide thoughtful and insightful responses to your survey questions.

2. Clearly state the purpose

It’s crucial to clearly state the purpose of a survey in the introduction to help respondents understand what you’re trying to achieve. For example, “ We’re surveying to understand how our customers perceive our brand and products to improve their experience. ” This statement highlights the purpose of the survey and how the results will be used to enhance customer satisfaction.

Another example could be, “ We’re seeking employee feedback to improve our workplace culture and create a more productive and enjoyable work environment. ” This statement conveys the purpose of the survey and emphasizes the importance of employee feedback in shaping workplace culture. By clearly stating the purpose of the survey, you can ensure that respondents are motivated to provide relevant and meaningful feedback.

3. Keep it concise

When it comes to survey introductions, less is often more. Keeping your introduction concise ensures that respondents don’t lose interest before they even begin.

For example, “ We need your input to improve our customer service. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey. ” This statement is straightforward and to the point, conveying the purpose of the survey and the expected time commitment. Keeping your survey introduction concise can increase the chances of getting a higher response rate and more accurate feedback.

4. Be transparent

Transparency is essential in survey introductions to build trust with respondents. For example, “ We’re conducting research on behalf of our organization to evaluate employee satisfaction and identify areas for improvement. ” This statement is transparent about the survey’s purpose and who will use the results. By being transparent in your survey introduction, you can demonstrate that you value the respondent’s time and opinion, leading to more accurate and honest feedback.

5. Highlight the benefits

Highlighting the benefits of a survey can help motivate respondents to participate and provide valuable feedback. For example, “ By completing this survey, you’ll have the opportunity to enter a drawing for a $100 gift card and help shape the future of our products. ” This statement highlights the benefits of potentially winning a gift card and contributing to product development.

Another example could be, “ Your participation in this survey will help us understand your needs and preferences, so we can improve our services and better serve you. ” This statement highlights the benefit of improved services and a better customer experience.

6. Test your introduction

Testing your survey introduction before distributing it can help ensure that it is effective and engaging for respondents. For example, ask a small group of people to review the introduction and provide feedback on whether it conveys the purpose of the survey and is compelling enough to motivate them to participate.

Another approach is to conduct a pilot survey with a subset of your target audience to test the introduction and identify any areas that need improvement. By testing your introduction, you can refine it to maximize its effectiveness and increase the likelihood of obtaining valuable feedback from your respondents.

Here’s an example of how your introduction page can look like when created using an advanced survey software like ProProfs Survey Maker .

Survey Introduction Examples

Here are some simple yet effective survey introduction examples to inspire you!

1. Customer Satisfaction Survey

“Thank you for choosing our product/service! We value your feedback and would love to hear about your experience. Your feedback will help us improve our products/services and better meet your needs.”

2. Market Research Survey

“Your opinion matters! We are conducting a market research survey to better understand our target audience and improve our products/services. Your input will help us make informed decisions and deliver a better customer experience.”

3. Employee Engagement Survey

“We care about your experience at work! We are conducting an employee engagement survey to understand how we can better support and engage our employees. Your feedback will help us create a more positive and productive work environment.”

4. Product Feedback Survey

“We want to hear from you! We are conducting a product feedback survey to learn about your experience with our product. Your feedback will help us identify areas for improvement and make necessary changes to deliver a better product.”

5. Website Usability Survey

“We want to make our website more user-friendly! We are conducting a website usability survey to better understand how our users interact with our website. Your feedback will help us improve the user experience and make our website easier to navigate.”

These sample survey introduction examples work as clear and concise introductions for various types of surveys . These introductions efficiently demonstrate the purpose of the surveys, the type of feedback that is being sought, and the value of the respondent’s input.

Drive More Responses Using a Compelling Survey Introduction

The survey introduction is a critical component of any survey. A well-crafted introduction should be clear, concise, engaging, and honest. It should provide enough information to help the respondent understand the purpose and value of the survey and encourage them to participate.

By following the tips outlined above, you can create an effective introduction to a survey that engages your target audience and yields high-quality feedback.

Remember to keep your introduction relevant and personalized and to be transparent about how the data will be used.

If you’re looking for a robust tool to help you create strong surveys, ProProfs Survey Maker is your best bet. It requires no training, and your team will instantly adapt to creating surveys within minutes. The best part is that the tool lets you add a welcome page to your survey that you can personalize with a text or image of your choice. You can even reuse these messages to save significant time and effort.

So get set to create your survey and achieve your research goals head-on!

About the author

Emma David is a seasoned market research professional with 8+ years of experience. Having kick-started her journey in research, she has developed rich expertise in employee engagement, survey creation and administration, and data management. Emma believes in the power of data to shape business performance positively. She continues to help brands and businesses make strategic decisions and improve their market standing through her understanding of research methodologies.

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How to write a fantastic thesis introduction (+15 examples)

The thesis introduction, usually chapter 1, is one of the most important chapters of a thesis. It sets the scene. It previews key arguments and findings. And it helps the reader to understand the structure of the thesis. In short, a lot is riding on this first chapter. With the following tips, you can write a powerful thesis introduction.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase using the links below at no additional cost to you . I only recommend products or services that I truly believe can benefit my audience. As always, my opinions are my own.

Elements of a fantastic thesis introduction

Open with a (personal) story, begin with a problem, define a clear research gap, describe the scientific relevance of the thesis, describe the societal relevance of the thesis, write down the thesis’ core claim in 1-2 sentences, support your argument with sufficient evidence, consider possible objections, address the empirical research context, give a taste of the thesis’ empirical analysis, hint at the practical implications of the research, provide a reading guide, briefly summarise all chapters to come, design a figure illustrating the thesis structure.

An introductory chapter plays an integral part in every thesis. The first chapter has to include quite a lot of information to contextualise the research. At the same time, a good thesis introduction is not too long, but clear and to the point.

A powerful thesis introduction does the following:

It captures the reader’s attention.
It presents a clear research gap and emphasises the thesis’ relevance.
It provides a compelling argument.
It previews the research findings.
It explains the structure of the thesis.

In addition, a powerful thesis introduction is well-written, logically structured, and free of grammar and spelling errors. Reputable thesis editors can elevate the quality of your introduction to the next level. If you are in search of a trustworthy thesis or dissertation editor who upholds high-quality standards and offers efficient turnaround times, I recommend the professional thesis and dissertation editing service provided by Editage .

This list can feel quite overwhelming. However, with some easy tips and tricks, you can accomplish all these goals in your thesis introduction. (And if you struggle with finding the right wording, have a look at academic key phrases for introductions .)

Ways to capture the reader’s attention

A powerful thesis introduction should spark the reader’s interest on the first pages. A reader should be enticed to continue reading! There are three common ways to capture the reader’s attention.

An established way to capture the reader’s attention in a thesis introduction is by starting with a story. Regardless of how abstract and ‘scientific’ the actual thesis content is, it can be useful to ease the reader into the topic with a short story.

This story can be, for instance, based on one of your study participants. It can also be a very personal account of one of your own experiences, which drew you to study the thesis topic in the first place.

Start by providing data or statistics

Data and statistics are another established way to immediately draw in your reader. Especially surprising or shocking numbers can highlight the importance of a thesis topic in the first few sentences!

So if your thesis topic lends itself to being kick-started with data or statistics, you are in for a quick and easy way to write a memorable thesis introduction.

The third established way to capture the reader’s attention is by starting with the problem that underlies your thesis. It is advisable to keep the problem simple. A few sentences at the start of the chapter should suffice.

Usually, at a later stage in the introductory chapter, it is common to go more in-depth, describing the research problem (and its scientific and societal relevance) in more detail.

You may also like: Minimalist writing for a better thesis

Emphasising the thesis’ relevance

A good thesis is a relevant thesis. No one wants to read about a concept that has already been explored hundreds of times, or that no one cares about.

Of course, a thesis heavily relies on the work of other scholars. However, each thesis is – and should be – unique. If you want to write a fantastic thesis introduction, your job is to point out this uniqueness!

In academic research, a research gap signifies a research area or research question that has not been explored yet, that has been insufficiently explored, or whose insights and findings are outdated.

Every thesis needs a crystal-clear research gap. Spell it out instead of letting your reader figure out why your thesis is relevant.

* This example has been taken from an actual academic paper on toxic behaviour in online games: Liu, J. and Agur, C. (2022). “After All, They Don’t Know Me” Exploring the Psychological Mechanisms of Toxic Behavior in Online Games. Games and Culture 1–24, DOI: 10.1177/15554120221115397

The scientific relevance of a thesis highlights the importance of your work in terms of advancing theoretical insights on a topic. You can think of this part as your contribution to the (international) academic literature.

Scientific relevance comes in different forms. For instance, you can critically assess a prominent theory explaining a specific phenomenon. Maybe something is missing? Or you can develop a novel framework that combines different frameworks used by other scholars. Or you can draw attention to the context-specific nature of a phenomenon that is discussed in the international literature.

The societal relevance of a thesis highlights the importance of your research in more practical terms. You can think of this part as your contribution beyond theoretical insights and academic publications.

Why are your insights useful? Who can benefit from your insights? How can your insights improve existing practices?

Formulating a compelling argument

Arguments are sets of reasons supporting an idea, which – in academia – often integrate theoretical and empirical insights. Think of an argument as an umbrella statement, or core claim. It should be no longer than one or two sentences.

Including an argument in the introduction of your thesis may seem counterintuitive. After all, the reader will be introduced to your core claim before reading all the chapters of your thesis that led you to this claim in the first place.

But rest assured: A clear argument at the start of your thesis introduction is a sign of a good thesis. It works like a movie teaser to generate interest. And it helps the reader to follow your subsequent line of argumentation.

The core claim of your thesis should be accompanied by sufficient evidence. This does not mean that you have to write 10 pages about your results at this point.

However, you do need to show the reader that your claim is credible and legitimate because of the work you have done.

A good argument already anticipates possible objections. Not everyone will agree with your core claim. Therefore, it is smart to think ahead. What criticism can you expect?

Think about reasons or opposing positions that people can come up with to disagree with your claim. Then, try to address them head-on.

Providing a captivating preview of findings

Similar to presenting a compelling argument, a fantastic thesis introduction also previews some of the findings. When reading an introduction, the reader wants to learn a bit more about the research context. Furthermore, a reader should get a taste of the type of analysis that will be conducted. And lastly, a hint at the practical implications of the findings encourages the reader to read until the end.

If you focus on a specific empirical context, make sure to provide some information about it. The empirical context could be, for instance, a country, an island, a school or city. Make sure the reader understands why you chose this context for your research, and why it fits to your research objective.

If you did all your research in a lab, this section is obviously irrelevant. However, in that case you should explain the setup of your experiment, etcetera.

The empirical part of your thesis centers around the collection and analysis of information. What information, and what evidence, did you generate? And what are some of the key findings?

For instance, you can provide a short summary of the different research methods that you used to collect data. Followed by a short overview of how you analysed this data, and some of the key findings. The reader needs to understand why your empirical analysis is worth reading.

You already highlighted the practical relevance of your thesis in the introductory chapter. However, you should also provide a preview of some of the practical implications that you will develop in your thesis based on your findings.

Presenting a crystal clear thesis structure

A fantastic thesis introduction helps the reader to understand the structure and logic of your whole thesis. This is probably the easiest part to write in a thesis introduction. However, this part can be best written at the very end, once everything else is ready.

A reading guide is an essential part in a thesis introduction! Usually, the reading guide can be found toward the end of the introductory chapter.

The reading guide basically tells the reader what to expect in the chapters to come.

In a longer thesis, such as a PhD thesis, it can be smart to provide a summary of each chapter to come. Think of a paragraph for each chapter, almost in the form of an abstract.

For shorter theses, which also have a shorter introduction, this step is not necessary.

Especially for longer theses, it tends to be a good idea to design a simple figure that illustrates the structure of your thesis. It helps the reader to better grasp the logic of your thesis.

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Survey Introduction Examples and Best Practices

Nemanja Jovancic

Jan 31 2020

No comments

With online surveys, as well as in life, first impressions are often all that matters. Whether you’ve received a survey via email, stumbled upon it on social media, or were required to take it on a particular website, you made the decision whether to take it based on the first screen you saw, right?

That first step is often referred to as the survey introduction and it’s your best shot at persuading a potential respondent to set a few minutes aside for completing your survey.

Unlike online quizzes, where a compelling quiz title is your best chance of getting the potential takers to pay attention, with surveys it all depends on your survey introduction.

That’s partly due to the fact that surveys are usually more “serious” in nature and there’s often not much room for playing with alluring titles, especially if you’re questioning people about a sensitive or socially important topic.

That being said, you need to make sure your survey introductions are good enough to make your potential respondents click through to question number one.

In this post, I’ll share some of the best survey introduction examples and explain how you can come up with similar ones. As an introduction to this post, here are some of the most important things you need to include in your survey introduction.

5 key elements of a good survey introduction

So far, we have used our survey builder to create hundreds of surveys for our customers and ourselves and have learned a thing or two in the process. There are 5 vital pieces of information every good survey introduction should contain:

1. Your company/organization name

2. The aim of the survey – why are you collecting their information?

3. How long it will take

4. How will you use their data? People often need reassurance that their data will not be abused so make sure to address any anonymity/privacy related issues

5. Give the necessary instructions for taking the survey

Survey introduction writing tips and tricks

Once you’ve made sure your survey introduction contains most of the basics presented above (not all of them are always absolutely necessary), there are still some things you can do to make your introduction more compelling and get people to actually take it.

Even if you have all the right ingredients, you need to make sure they are present in good proportion and in such a form that your potential respondents will devour your survey!

This is NOT what a good survey introduction looks like:

To learn what it should look like, keep on reading. Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing a survey introduction:

1. Use plain everyday language

In other words, write as if you’re addressing a real human being. Try not to sound robotic, too formal or overly corporate. Avoid jargon.

Your goal is not to confuse people and make them guess what you’re trying to say – it should require little to no effort on their end to understand what you’re trying to say.

So instead of starting with something dull and dry like “Our organization is seeking people who have previously indulged in purchasing products from our assortment to answer a 12-question market survey…” you could simply start with “We have a few questions about your recent shopping experience with us…”

Much friendlier and more human, right?

2. A simple “thank you” can go a long way

Even if you’re offering some kind of a survey incentive , you still probably need your respondents more than they need you.

Remember that you’re getting something from them and remember to say thank you. Our experience has shown that if people feel that their responses are valued, they are more likely to complete the entire survey and provide genuine responses.

3. Write the introduction last

Yes, you read that right. Even though the introduction is the first thing people see when they get a survey, you should write it only after you’ve written all the questions and answers.

Why is that? Well, a quality survey introduction should act as a summary of what follows. And only after you’ve gone through the entire survey creation process will you have a strong grasp of everything that’s in it.

4. Tell them more about the impact they’re making

Ok, you might have shared the aim of your survey, but have you convinced your potential respondents that they should actually care about it?

There are two ways to go about this. You can show and tell how similar surveys have previously made a difference or you can explain what actions you plan to take based on the survey results.

Whether it’s a major policy change or a new coffee maker for your employees, they should know that their answers can and will make a difference.

The survey introduction example below does a great job at this:

If you would like to check out the entire survey, here’s a free Job Satisfaction Survey Template available to all LeadQuizzes users.

How to add an introduction to your survey

First, log in to your LeadQuizzes account.

Click on Create New Content, then click on Create From Scratch, choose Outcome or Scoring logic (depending on whether or not you want your survey questions to be scored), set Content Name, and you’ll be taken to our intuitive Content Builder where you can add all the necessary elements to your survey.

Move the Cover Page element from the left side of the builder to the right – this will serve as an introduction page for your survey.

Here, you’ll have the option to enter your survey title and description, add a CTA button, and add an image or video. The description part of the cover page is where you will write the copy for your survey introduction.

After you’re completely satisfied with your survey introduction, you can proceed with adding all the questions and answer options using our simple and intuitive survey builder.

As already mentioned above, after you’re finished with the survey creation, you should go back to your introduction and make sure it reflects the content of the entire survey and contains most of the 5 elements listed at the beginning of this post.

Survey introduction examples

Product feedback survey.

Do you know the easiest way to retain your current customers and acquire new ones?

It’s very simple, actually. All you have to do is find out what they think about your products and services and use that knowledge to improve your offering.

There’s no better way to do it than to conduct a product feedback survey.

Below you can see a survey introduction selected from our survey template list . What makes it good is that it addresses some of the key concerns we listed above – explains the aim of the survey, clearly states what’s expected from the respondent, and relates how the data obtained will be used.

Extra tip – If your survey is anonymous, you should always clearly state that as it may increase your response rates.

If you would like to check out the entire survey, here’s a free Product Satisfaction Survey Template available to all LeadQuizzes users.

Patient satisfaction survey

A patient satisfaction survey can be an extremely valuable asset if you’re in any way involved in the healthcare industry. Getting honest feedback from your patients can help you understand your strengths and weaknesses and learn how you can improve your services.

Below you can see an example of a patient satisfaction survey introduction. This is a good example because it clearly states the name of the organization, gives clear instructions, defines the aim of the survey and what actions will be taken based on the data, reassures the respondents about the privacy issues, and shows gratitude for their help.

If you would like to check out the entire survey, here’s a free Patient Satisfaction Survey Template available to all LeadQuizzes users.

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Dissertation Structure & Layout 101: How to structure your dissertation, thesis or research project.

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) Reviewed By: David Phair (PhD) | July 2019

So, you’ve got a decent understanding of what a dissertation is , you’ve chosen your topic and hopefully you’ve received approval for your research proposal . Awesome! Now its time to start the actual dissertation or thesis writing journey.

To craft a high-quality document, the very first thing you need to understand is dissertation structure . In this post, we’ll walk you through the generic dissertation structure and layout, step by step. We’ll start with the big picture, and then zoom into each chapter to briefly discuss the core contents. If you’re just starting out on your research journey, you should start with this post, which covers the big-picture process of how to write a dissertation or thesis .

Dissertation structure and layout - the basics

The Caveat

In this post, we’ll be discussing a traditional dissertation/thesis structure and layout, which is generally used for social science research across universities, whether in the US, UK, Europe or Australia. However, some universities may have small variations on this structure (extra chapters, merged chapters, slightly different ordering, etc).

So, always check with your university if they have a prescribed structure or layout that they expect you to work with. If not, it’s safe to assume the structure we’ll discuss here is suitable. And even if they do have a prescribed structure, you’ll still get value from this post as we’ll explain the core contents of each section.

Overview: S tructuring a dissertation or thesis

Acknowledgements page
Abstract (or executive summary)
Table of contents , list of figures and tables
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Literature review
Chapter 3: Methodology
Chapter 4: Results
Chapter 5: Discussion
Chapter 6: Conclusion
Reference list

As I mentioned, some universities will have slight variations on this structure. For example, they want an additional “personal reflection chapter”, or they might prefer the results and discussion chapter to be merged into one. Regardless, the overarching flow will always be the same, as this flow reflects the research process , which we discussed here – i.e.:

The introduction chapter presents the core research question and aims .
The literature review chapter assesses what the current research says about this question.
The methodology, results and discussion chapters go about undertaking new research about this question.
The conclusion chapter (attempts to) answer the core research question .

In other words, the dissertation structure and layout reflect the research process of asking a well-defined question(s), investigating, and then answering the question – see below.

A dissertation's structure reflect the research process

To restate that – the structure and layout of a dissertation reflect the flow of the overall research process . This is essential to understand, as each chapter will make a lot more sense if you “get” this concept. If you’re not familiar with the research process, read this post before going further.

Right. Now that we’ve covered the big picture, let’s dive a little deeper into the details of each section and chapter. Oh and by the way, you can also grab our free dissertation/thesis template here to help speed things up.

The title page of your dissertation is the very first impression the marker will get of your work, so it pays to invest some time thinking about your title. But what makes for a good title? A strong title needs to be 3 things:

Succinct (not overly lengthy or verbose)
Specific (not vague or ambiguous)
Representative of the research you’re undertaking (clearly linked to your research questions)

Typically, a good title includes mention of the following:

The broader area of the research (i.e. the overarching topic)
The specific focus of your research (i.e. your specific context)
Indication of research design (e.g. quantitative , qualitative , or mixed methods ).

For example:

A quantitative investigation [research design] into the antecedents of organisational trust [broader area] in the UK retail forex trading market [specific context/area of focus].

Again, some universities may have specific requirements regarding the format and structure of the title, so it’s worth double-checking expectations with your institution (if there’s no mention in the brief or study material).

Acknowledgements

This page provides you with an opportunity to say thank you to those who helped you along your research journey. Generally, it’s optional (and won’t count towards your marks), but it is academic best practice to include this.

So, who do you say thanks to? Well, there’s no prescribed requirements, but it’s common to mention the following people:

Your dissertation supervisor or committee.
Any professors, lecturers or academics that helped you understand the topic or methodologies.
Any tutors, mentors or advisors.
Your family and friends, especially spouse (for adult learners studying part-time).

There’s no need for lengthy rambling. Just state who you’re thankful to and for what (e.g. thank you to my supervisor, John Doe, for his endless patience and attentiveness) – be sincere. In terms of length, you should keep this to a page or less.

Abstract or executive summary

The dissertation abstract (or executive summary for some degrees) serves to provide the first-time reader (and marker or moderator) with a big-picture view of your research project. It should give them an understanding of the key insights and findings from the research, without them needing to read the rest of the report – in other words, it should be able to stand alone .

For it to stand alone, your abstract should cover the following key points (at a minimum):

Your research questions and aims – what key question(s) did your research aim to answer?
Your methodology – how did you go about investigating the topic and finding answers to your research question(s)?
Your findings – following your own research, what did do you discover?
Your conclusions – based on your findings, what conclusions did you draw? What answers did you find to your research question(s)?

So, in much the same way the dissertation structure mimics the research process, your abstract or executive summary should reflect the research process, from the initial stage of asking the original question to the final stage of answering that question.

In practical terms, it’s a good idea to write this section up last , once all your core chapters are complete. Otherwise, you’ll end up writing and rewriting this section multiple times (just wasting time). For a step by step guide on how to write a strong executive summary, check out this post .

Need a helping hand?

This section is straightforward. You’ll typically present your table of contents (TOC) first, followed by the two lists – figures and tables. I recommend that you use Microsoft Word’s automatic table of contents generator to generate your TOC. If you’re not familiar with this functionality, the video below explains it simply:

If you find that your table of contents is overly lengthy, consider removing one level of depth. Oftentimes, this can be done without detracting from the usefulness of the TOC.

Right, now that the “admin” sections are out of the way, its time to move on to your core chapters. These chapters are the heart of your dissertation and are where you’ll earn the marks. The first chapter is the introduction chapter – as you would expect, this is the time to introduce your research…

It’s important to understand that even though you’ve provided an overview of your research in your abstract, your introduction needs to be written as if the reader has not read that (remember, the abstract is essentially a standalone document). So, your introduction chapter needs to start from the very beginning, and should address the following questions:

What will you be investigating (in plain-language, big picture-level)?
Why is that worth investigating? How is it important to academia or business? How is it sufficiently original?
What are your research aims and research question(s)? Note that the research questions can sometimes be presented at the end of the literature review (next chapter).
What is the scope of your study? In other words, what will and won’t you cover ?
How will you approach your research? In other words, what methodology will you adopt?
How will you structure your dissertation? What are the core chapters and what will you do in each of them?

These are just the bare basic requirements for your intro chapter. Some universities will want additional bells and whistles in the intro chapter, so be sure to carefully read your brief or consult your research supervisor.

If done right, your introduction chapter will set a clear direction for the rest of your dissertation. Specifically, it will make it clear to the reader (and marker) exactly what you’ll be investigating, why that’s important, and how you’ll be going about the investigation. Conversely, if your introduction chapter leaves a first-time reader wondering what exactly you’ll be researching, you’ve still got some work to do.

Now that you’ve set a clear direction with your introduction chapter, the next step is the literature review . In this section, you will analyse the existing research (typically academic journal articles and high-quality industry publications), with a view to understanding the following questions:

What does the literature currently say about the topic you’re investigating?
Is the literature lacking or well established? Is it divided or in disagreement?
How does your research fit into the bigger picture?
How does your research contribute something original?
How does the methodology of previous studies help you develop your own?

Depending on the nature of your study, you may also present a conceptual framework towards the end of your literature review, which you will then test in your actual research.

Again, some universities will want you to focus on some of these areas more than others, some will have additional or fewer requirements, and so on. Therefore, as always, its important to review your brief and/or discuss with your supervisor, so that you know exactly what’s expected of your literature review chapter.

Now that you’ve investigated the current state of knowledge in your literature review chapter and are familiar with the existing key theories, models and frameworks, its time to design your own research. Enter the methodology chapter – the most “science-ey” of the chapters…

In this chapter, you need to address two critical questions:

Exactly HOW will you carry out your research (i.e. what is your intended research design)?
Exactly WHY have you chosen to do things this way (i.e. how do you justify your design)?

Remember, the dissertation part of your degree is first and foremost about developing and demonstrating research skills . Therefore, the markers want to see that you know which methods to use, can clearly articulate why you’ve chosen then, and know how to deploy them effectively.

Importantly, this chapter requires detail – don’t hold back on the specifics. State exactly what you’ll be doing, with who, when, for how long, etc. Moreover, for every design choice you make, make sure you justify it.

In practice, you will likely end up coming back to this chapter once you’ve undertaken all your data collection and analysis, and revise it based on changes you made during the analysis phase. This is perfectly fine. Its natural for you to add an additional analysis technique, scrap an old one, etc based on where your data lead you. Of course, I’m talking about small changes here – not a fundamental switch from qualitative to quantitative, which will likely send your supervisor in a spin!

You’ve now collected your data and undertaken your analysis, whether qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods. In this chapter, you’ll present the raw results of your analysis . For example, in the case of a quant study, you’ll present the demographic data, descriptive statistics, inferential statistics , etc.

Typically, Chapter 4 is simply a presentation and description of the data, not a discussion of the meaning of the data. In other words, it’s descriptive, rather than analytical – the meaning is discussed in Chapter 5. However, some universities will want you to combine chapters 4 and 5, so that you both present and interpret the meaning of the data at the same time. Check with your institution what their preference is.

Now that you’ve presented the data analysis results, its time to interpret and analyse them. In other words, its time to discuss what they mean, especially in relation to your research question(s).

What you discuss here will depend largely on your chosen methodology. For example, if you’ve gone the quantitative route, you might discuss the relationships between variables . If you’ve gone the qualitative route, you might discuss key themes and the meanings thereof. It all depends on what your research design choices were.

Most importantly, you need to discuss your results in relation to your research questions and aims, as well as the existing literature. What do the results tell you about your research questions? Are they aligned with the existing research or at odds? If so, why might this be? Dig deep into your findings and explain what the findings suggest, in plain English.

The final chapter – you’ve made it! Now that you’ve discussed your interpretation of the results, its time to bring it back to the beginning with the conclusion chapter . In other words, its time to (attempt to) answer your original research question s (from way back in chapter 1). Clearly state what your conclusions are in terms of your research questions. This might feel a bit repetitive, as you would have touched on this in the previous chapter, but its important to bring the discussion full circle and explicitly state your answer(s) to the research question(s).

Next, you’ll typically discuss the implications of your findings? In other words, you’ve answered your research questions – but what does this mean for the real world (or even for academia)? What should now be done differently, given the new insight you’ve generated?

Lastly, you should discuss the limitations of your research, as well as what this means for future research in the area. No study is perfect, especially not a Masters-level. Discuss the shortcomings of your research. Perhaps your methodology was limited, perhaps your sample size was small or not representative, etc, etc. Don’t be afraid to critique your work – the markers want to see that you can identify the limitations of your work. This is a strength, not a weakness. Be brutal!

This marks the end of your core chapters – woohoo! From here on out, it’s pretty smooth sailing.

The reference list is straightforward. It should contain a list of all resources cited in your dissertation, in the required format, e.g. APA , Harvard, etc.

It’s essential that you use reference management software for your dissertation. Do NOT try handle your referencing manually – its far too error prone. On a reference list of multiple pages, you’re going to make mistake. To this end, I suggest considering either Mendeley or Zotero. Both are free and provide a very straightforward interface to ensure that your referencing is 100% on point. I’ve included a simple how-to video for the Mendeley software (my personal favourite) below:

Some universities may ask you to include a bibliography, as opposed to a reference list. These two things are not the same . A bibliography is similar to a reference list, except that it also includes resources which informed your thinking but were not directly cited in your dissertation. So, double-check your brief and make sure you use the right one.

The very last piece of the puzzle is the appendix or set of appendices. This is where you’ll include any supporting data and evidence. Importantly, supporting is the keyword here.

Your appendices should provide additional “nice to know”, depth-adding information, which is not critical to the core analysis. Appendices should not be used as a way to cut down word count (see this post which covers how to reduce word count ). In other words, don’t place content that is critical to the core analysis here, just to save word count. You will not earn marks on any content in the appendices, so don’t try to play the system!

Time to recap…

And there you have it – the traditional dissertation structure and layout, from A-Z. To recap, the core structure for a dissertation or thesis is (typically) as follows:

Acknowledgments page

Most importantly, the core chapters should reflect the research process (asking, investigating and answering your research question). Moreover, the research question(s) should form the golden thread throughout your dissertation structure. Everything should revolve around the research questions, and as you’ve seen, they should form both the start point (i.e. introduction chapter) and the endpoint (i.e. conclusion chapter).

I hope this post has provided you with clarity about the traditional dissertation/thesis structure and layout. If you have any questions or comments, please leave a comment below, or feel free to get in touch with us. Also, be sure to check out the rest of the Grad Coach Blog .

Psst... there’s more!

This post was based on one of our popular Research Bootcamps . If you're working on a research project, you'll definitely want to check this out ...

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36 Comments

many thanks i found it very useful

Glad to hear that, Arun. Good luck writing your dissertation.

Such clear practical logical advice. I very much needed to read this to keep me focused in stead of fretting.. Perfect now ready to start my research!

what about scientific fields like computer or engineering thesis what is the difference in the structure? thank you very much

Thanks so much this helped me a lot!

Very helpful and accessible. What I like most is how practical the advice is along with helpful tools/ links.

Thanks Ade!

Thank you so much sir.. It was really helpful..

You’re welcome!

Hi! How many words maximum should contain the abstract?

Thank you so much 😊 Find this at the right moment

You’re most welcome. Good luck with your dissertation.

best ever benefit i got on right time thank you

Many times Clarity and vision of destination of dissertation is what makes the difference between good ,average and great researchers the same way a great automobile driver is fast with clarity of address and Clear weather conditions .

I guess Great researcher = great ideas + knowledge + great and fast data collection and modeling + great writing + high clarity on all these

You have given immense clarity from start to end.

Morning. Where will I write the definitions of what I’m referring to in my report?

Thank you so much Derek, I was almost lost! Thanks a tonnnn! Have a great day!

Thanks ! so concise and valuable

This was very helpful. Clear and concise. I know exactly what to do now.

Thank you for allowing me to go through briefly. I hope to find time to continue.

Really useful to me. Thanks a thousand times

Very interesting! It will definitely set me and many more for success. highly recommended.

Thank you soo much sir, for the opportunity to express my skills

Usefull, thanks a lot. Really clear

Very nice and easy to understand. Thank you .

That was incredibly useful. Thanks Grad Coach Crew!

My stress level just dropped at least 15 points after watching this. Just starting my thesis for my grad program and I feel a lot more capable now! Thanks for such a clear and helpful video, Emma and the GradCoach team!

Do we need to mention the number of words the dissertation contains in the main document?

It depends on your university’s requirements, so it would be best to check with them 🙂

Such a helpful post to help me get started with structuring my masters dissertation, thank you!

Great video; I appreciate that helpful information

It is so necessary or avital course

This blog is very informative for my research. Thank you

Doctoral students are required to fill out the National Research Council’s Survey of Earned Doctorates

wow this is an amazing gain in my life

This is so good

How can i arrange my specific objectives in my dissertation?

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Knowledge Base
Dissertation

How to Write a Dissertation | A Guide to Structure & Content

A dissertation or thesis is a long piece of academic writing based on original research, submitted as part of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.

The structure of a dissertation depends on your field, but it is usually divided into at least four or five chapters (including an introduction and conclusion chapter).

The most common dissertation structure in the sciences and social sciences includes:

An introduction to your topic
A literature review that surveys relevant sources
An explanation of your methodology
An overview of the results of your research
A discussion of the results and their implications
A conclusion that shows what your research has contributed

Dissertations in the humanities are often structured more like a long essay , building an argument by analysing primary and secondary sources . Instead of the standard structure outlined here, you might organise your chapters around different themes or case studies.

Other important elements of the dissertation include the title page , abstract , and reference list . If in doubt about how your dissertation should be structured, always check your department’s guidelines and consult with your supervisor.

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Acknowledgements, table of contents, list of figures and tables, list of abbreviations, introduction, literature review / theoretical framework, methodology, reference list.

The very first page of your document contains your dissertation’s title, your name, department, institution, degree program, and submission date. Sometimes it also includes your student number, your supervisor’s name, and the university’s logo. Many programs have strict requirements for formatting the dissertation title page .

The title page is often used as cover when printing and binding your dissertation .

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The acknowledgements section is usually optional, and gives space for you to thank everyone who helped you in writing your dissertation. This might include your supervisors, participants in your research, and friends or family who supported you.

The abstract is a short summary of your dissertation, usually about 150-300 words long. You should write it at the very end, when you’ve completed the rest of the dissertation. In the abstract, make sure to:

State the main topic and aims of your research
Describe the methods you used
Summarise the main results
State your conclusions

Although the abstract is very short, it’s the first part (and sometimes the only part) of your dissertation that people will read, so it’s important that you get it right. If you’re struggling to write a strong abstract, read our guide on how to write an abstract .

In the table of contents, list all of your chapters and subheadings and their page numbers. The dissertation contents page gives the reader an overview of your structure and helps easily navigate the document.

All parts of your dissertation should be included in the table of contents, including the appendices. You can generate a table of contents automatically in Word.

If you have used a lot of tables and figures in your dissertation, you should itemise them in a numbered list . You can automatically generate this list using the Insert Caption feature in Word.

If you have used a lot of abbreviations in your dissertation, you can include them in an alphabetised list of abbreviations so that the reader can easily look up their meanings.

If you have used a lot of highly specialised terms that will not be familiar to your reader, it might be a good idea to include a glossary . List the terms alphabetically and explain each term with a brief description or definition.

In the introduction, you set up your dissertation’s topic, purpose, and relevance, and tell the reader what to expect in the rest of the dissertation. The introduction should:

Establish your research topic , giving necessary background information to contextualise your work
Narrow down the focus and define the scope of the research
Discuss the state of existing research on the topic, showing your work’s relevance to a broader problem or debate
Clearly state your objectives and research questions , and indicate how you will answer them
Give an overview of your dissertation’s structure

Everything in the introduction should be clear, engaging, and relevant to your research. By the end, the reader should understand the what , why and how of your research. Not sure how? Read our guide on how to write a dissertation introduction .

Before you start on your research, you should have conducted a literature review to gain a thorough understanding of the academic work that already exists on your topic. This means:

Collecting sources (e.g. books and journal articles) and selecting the most relevant ones
Critically evaluating and analysing each source
Drawing connections between them (e.g. themes, patterns, conflicts, gaps) to make an overall point

In the dissertation literature review chapter or section, you shouldn’t just summarise existing studies, but develop a coherent structure and argument that leads to a clear basis or justification for your own research. For example, it might aim to show how your research:

Addresses a gap in the literature
Takes a new theoretical or methodological approach to the topic
Proposes a solution to an unresolved problem
Advances a theoretical debate
Builds on and strengthens existing knowledge with new data

The literature review often becomes the basis for a theoretical framework , in which you define and analyse the key theories, concepts and models that frame your research. In this section you can answer descriptive research questions about the relationship between concepts or variables.

The methodology chapter or section describes how you conducted your research, allowing your reader to assess its validity. You should generally include:

The overall approach and type of research (e.g. qualitative, quantitative, experimental, ethnographic)
Your methods of collecting data (e.g. interviews, surveys, archives)
Details of where, when, and with whom the research took place
Your methods of analysing data (e.g. statistical analysis, discourse analysis)
Tools and materials you used (e.g. computer programs, lab equipment)
A discussion of any obstacles you faced in conducting the research and how you overcame them
An evaluation or justification of your methods

Your aim in the methodology is to accurately report what you did, as well as convincing the reader that this was the best approach to answering your research questions or objectives.

Next, you report the results of your research . You can structure this section around sub-questions, hypotheses, or topics. Only report results that are relevant to your objectives and research questions. In some disciplines, the results section is strictly separated from the discussion, while in others the two are combined.

For example, for qualitative methods like in-depth interviews, the presentation of the data will often be woven together with discussion and analysis, while in quantitative and experimental research, the results should be presented separately before you discuss their meaning. If you’re unsure, consult with your supervisor and look at sample dissertations to find out the best structure for your research.

In the results section it can often be helpful to include tables, graphs and charts. Think carefully about how best to present your data, and don’t include tables or figures that just repeat what you have written – they should provide extra information or usefully visualise the results in a way that adds value to your text.

Full versions of your data (such as interview transcripts) can be included as an appendix .

The discussion is where you explore the meaning and implications of your results in relation to your research questions. Here you should interpret the results in detail, discussing whether they met your expectations and how well they fit with the framework that you built in earlier chapters. If any of the results were unexpected, offer explanations for why this might be. It’s a good idea to consider alternative interpretations of your data and discuss any limitations that might have influenced the results.

The discussion should reference other scholarly work to show how your results fit with existing knowledge. You can also make recommendations for future research or practical action.

The dissertation conclusion should concisely answer the main research question, leaving the reader with a clear understanding of your central argument. Wrap up your dissertation with a final reflection on what you did and how you did it. The conclusion often also includes recommendations for research or practice.

In this section, it’s important to show how your findings contribute to knowledge in the field and why your research matters. What have you added to what was already known?

You must include full details of all sources that you have cited in a reference list (sometimes also called a works cited list or bibliography). It’s important to follow a consistent reference style . Each style has strict and specific requirements for how to format your sources in the reference list.

The most common styles used in UK universities are Harvard referencing and Vancouver referencing . Your department will often specify which referencing style you should use – for example, psychology students tend to use APA style , humanities students often use MHRA , and law students always use OSCOLA . M ake sure to check the requirements, and ask your supervisor if you’re unsure.

To save time creating the reference list and make sure your citations are correctly and consistently formatted, you can use our free APA Citation Generator .

Your dissertation itself should contain only essential information that directly contributes to answering your research question. Documents you have used that do not fit into the main body of your dissertation (such as interview transcripts, survey questions or tables with full figures) can be added as appendices .

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How to Write a Dissertation Proposal | A Step-by-Step Guide

Dissertation Questionnaire

A dissertation is a document usually a requirement for a doctoral degree especially in the field of philosophy. This long essay discusses a particular subject matter uses questionnaires and other sources of data and is used to validate its content. The questionnaire’s importance is evident in the processes of data gathering as it can make the dissertation factual, effective and usable.

Having a well-curated and formatted document to follow when making a dissertation can be very beneficial to an individual who is currently immersed in the data gathering stage of the specific research study. We have gathered downloadable samples and templates of questionnaires so it will be easier for you to curate your own.

Dissertation Timeline Gantt Chart Template

Size: 55 KB

Dissertation Research Gantt Chart Template

Size: 43 KB

Dissertation Project Gantt Chart Template

Size: 41 KB

Dissertation Plan Gantt Chart Template

Size: 51 KB

Dissertation Research Questionnaire

Size: 18 KB

Dissertation Proposal Questionnaire

Size: 131 KB

Sample Dissertation Questionnaire

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What Is a Dissertation Questionnaire?

A dissertation questionnaire can be defined as follows:

It is a document used in the processes of data gathering.
Questionnaires in PDF used for a dissertation contain questions that can help assess the current condition of the community which is the subject of study within the dissertation.
It specifies the questions that are needed to be answered to assure that there is a basis in terms of the results that will be presented in a dissertation.

How to Write a Dissertation Questionnaire

Writing an efficient and comprehensive dissertation questionnaire can greatly affect the entire dissertation. You can make one by following these steps:

Be specific with the kind of dissertation that you are creating and align the purposes of the dissertation questionnaire that you need to make to your study.
List down the information needed from the community who will provide the answers to your questions.
Open a software where you can create a questionnaire template. You may also download survey questionnaire examples and templates to have a faster time in formatting the document.
The purpose of the dissertation questionnaire.
The guidelines and instructions in answering the dissertation questions.
The name of the person to who will use the questionnaire results to his/her dissertation.
The institution to whom the dissertation will be passed.
List down the questions based on your needs.

Undergraduate Dissertation Questionnaire

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Project Management Dissertation

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Guidelines for Writing a Dissertation Questionnaire

There are no strict rules in writing a dissertation questionnaire. However, there are some tips that can help you to create a dissertation questionnaire that is relevant to the study that you are currently doing. Some guidelines:

Make sure that you are well aware of the data that is needed in your dissertation so you can properly curate questions that can supply your information needs.
It will be best to use a dissertation questionnaire format that is organized, easy to understand, and properly structured. This will help the people who will answer the dissertation questionnaire quickly know how they can provide the items that you would like to know.
Always make sure that your instructions in answering the questions are precise and directly stated.
You may look at questionnaires in Word for comparisons. Doing this will help you assess whether there are still areas of improvement that you may tap with the content and format of the dissertation questionnaire that you have created.

Keeping this guidelines in mind and implementing them accordingly will allow you to create a dissertation questionnaire that is beneficial to the processes that you need to have an outstanding dissertation.

Questionnaire Generator

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Create a fun quiz to find out which historical figure you're most like in your study habits

Design a survey to discover students' favorite school subjects and why they love them.

IMAGES

Dissertation Questionnaire
Questionnaire For Thesis
Survey introduction examples that actually work
Dissertation Introduction Examples
30+ Questionnaire Templates (Word) ᐅ TemplateLab
How to write a survey introduction (plus examples)

VIDEO

Dissertation Survey Notification
How to Write a Dissertation Introduction
How to write chapter 1 for a dissertation project?
How to Write a Dissertation Introduction Scribbr 🎓
Writing the Dissertation
Sample Survey:Introduction (Part 2) (Hindi)

COMMENTS

Survey Introductions: Tips & Examples (First Impressions Count)
1. Your organization. You wouldn't grab someone in the street and ask them to fill out a survey with no introduction—so don't do it online with your survey software. It's important for the people answering your survey to know who you are before they start, or you'll be left with a bunch of nonresponses.
How to Write a Survey Introduction [+Examples]
This makes customers feel like the company is there for them. It's clear from the survey introduction that these responses are anonymous, so respondents can be as direct as they want. 3. Boast.ai. Adding a definition to the survey introduction makes it more likely that respondents will provide helpful information.
How to write a survey introduction
The survey introduction can be in the body of an email or on the first slide of the survey. Based on the introduction, potential respondents will decide whether to participate in the survey. It is an overall description of the survey, the equivalent of the abstract in a dissertation or other research paper. How to write survey introduction text ...
How To Write A Dissertation Introduction Chapter
Craft an enticing and engaging opening section. Provide a background and context to the study. Clearly define the research problem. State your research aims, objectives and questions. Explain the significance of your study. Identify the limitations of your research. Outline the structure of your dissertation or thesis.
Survey & Questionnaire Introduction: Examples + [5 Types]
Surveys. Survey & Questionnaire Introduction: Examples + [5 Types] Whether online or offline, you need to politely approach survey respondents and get them excited to fill your questionnaire when carrying out a research survey. Therefore, before going into the questions you want to ask, you need to kickstart your data collection process with a ...
How to write a survey introduction (plus examples)
This survey uses an introductory video instead of a written introduction to get participants' attention. Videos are far more engaging than text. In fact, one study showed that social video gets a lot more shares than text or images — a shocking 1,200 percent more for video than the other two combined.. If your introductory video hits the right note with your participants, you could see a ...
How to Write a Thesis or Dissertation Introduction
To help guide your reader, end your introduction with an outline of the structure of the thesis or dissertation to follow. Share a brief summary of each chapter, clearly showing how each contributes to your central aims. However, be careful to keep this overview concise: 1-2 sentences should be enough. Note.
How to Write a Survey Introduction
A simple thank you can go a long way. Express your gratitude for the time participants take to respond to you. This can make them feel appreciated, increasing the chances they'll want to help you. It'll motivate them to complete the survey thoughtfully and honestly.
Best practices for a survey introduction
Best practices for a survey introduction. Creating a survey introduction is the first step of our 7-step checklist for creating effective surveys. It's a good idea to start your survey with an introduction that explains the purpose of your survey. Without an introduction, respondents might not know what the survey is for, who is sending it ...
How to Write a Survey Introduction? Guide with Examples
Research Survey Introduction "Hello [Participant Name], Your role in our research is invaluable. This survey delves into [research topic], aiming for a comprehensive understanding. Estimated completion time: 10 minutes. Your privacy and confidentiality are paramount. Thank you for advancing knowledge alongside us!" Student Survey Introduction
How to Frame and Explain the Survey Data Used in a Thesis
Surveys are a special research tool with strengths, weaknesses, and a language all of their own. There are many different steps to designing and conducting a survey, and survey researchers have specific ways of describing what they do.This handout, based on an annual workshop offered by the Program on Survey Research at Harvard, is geared toward undergraduate honors thesis writers using survey ...
(PDF) An Introduction to Survey Research
The purpose of this chapter is to provide an easy to understand overview of several important concepts. for selecting and creating survey instruments for dissertations and other types of doctoral ...
Writing a Research Paper Introduction
Table of contents. Step 1: Introduce your topic. Step 2: Describe the background. Step 3: Establish your research problem. Step 4: Specify your objective (s) Step 5: Map out your paper. Research paper introduction examples. Frequently asked questions about the research paper introduction.
Dissertation survey examples & questions
Dissertation survey examples. Whatever field you're studying, we're sure the following questions will prove useful when crafting your own. At the beginning of every questionnaire, inform respondents of your topic and provide a consent form. After that, start with questions like:
What Is a Dissertation?
A dissertation is a long-form piece of academic writing based on original research conducted by you. It is usually submitted as the final step in order to finish a PhD program. Your dissertation is probably the longest piece of writing you've ever completed. It requires solid research, writing, and analysis skills, and it can be intimidating ...
Survey introduction examples that actually work
The perfect survey introduction example: Use the ultimate template: Hey, glad to see you around here!First of all, let me thank you for taking our [survey duration] survey. You are a great help! 🙂We at [company name] are on a daring quest to collect the right data about [survey subject].
How to Write a Thesis or Dissertation Introduction
Overview of the structure. To help guide your reader, end your introduction with an outline of the structure of the thesis or dissertation to follow. Share a brief summary of each chapter, clearly showing how each contributes to your central aims. However, be careful to keep this overview concise: 1-2 sentences should be enough.
How to Write a Survey Introduction to Make Strong Impact
The features of a survey introduction should include: 1. Brief and concise. The introduction should be brief and concise, ideally no more than a few sentences or a short paragraph. It should clearly and succinctly convey the purpose of the survey and why the respondent's input is valuable. 2.
How to write a fantastic thesis introduction (+15 examples)
The thesis introduction, usually chapter 1, is one of the most important chapters of a thesis. It sets the scene. It previews key arguments and findings. And it helps the reader to understand the structure of the thesis. In short, a lot is riding on this first chapter. With the following tips, you can write
Survey Introduction Examples and Best Practices
As an introduction to this post, here are some of the most important things you need to include in your survey introduction. 5 key elements of a good survey introduction. So far, we have used our survey builder to create hundreds of surveys for our customers and ourselves and have learned a thing or two in the process. There are 5 vital pieces ...
Dissertation Structure & Layout 101 (+ Examples)
Time to recap…. And there you have it - the traditional dissertation structure and layout, from A-Z. To recap, the core structure for a dissertation or thesis is (typically) as follows: Title page. Acknowledgments page. Abstract (or executive summary) Table of contents, list of figures and tables.
How to Write a Dissertation
The structure of a dissertation depends on your field, but it is usually divided into at least four or five chapters (including an introduction and conclusion chapter). The most common dissertation structure in the sciences and social sciences includes: An introduction to your topic. A literature review that surveys relevant sources.
Dissertation Questionnaire
A dissertation is a document usually a requirement for a doctoral degree especially in the field of philosophy. This long essay discusses a particular subject matter uses questionnaires and other sources of data and is used to validate its content. The questionnaire's importance is evident in the processes of data gathering as it can make the dissertation factual, effective and usable.