I used to do surveys over the phone. These people did not get paid to take them. Some did far better than others.
Bad:
---Unless absolutely fascinating, too long. Long long surveys were either terminated early or as they grew weary they'd give any old answer to move it along.
---While I do understand that when gathing data, you must ideally be able to pool answers in a way that allows you to deduce themes. Meaning, while multiple choice answers can be hard fortherespondent to choose should theynot quite like any totally, this can besomewhatmitigated by sub questions. So, initial multiple choice question gets the general idea, sub/follow up clarifies reasons. The what and why.
---Overly personal questions, UNLESS FOR PURPOSES OTHER THAN SAMPLE GATHERING. In other words, I've actually been instructed to, at the end ofsurveys gather their demographics like age, gender, income etc. Done anonymously, this simply ensures a balances sample. However, some would ask about fucking sexual preference! And for no obvious reason to the respondent who was often disgusted at such prying. "Thanks....so, what do you like to stick your dick in, sir,?" Ummm no. Unless the study is trying to, for example, understand how specific populations are impacted or affected, and THIS IS CLEARLY EXPLAINED, then hell no. Mind your business! I'll admit, I'd often either profusely apologize and get in trouble at times. Worth it.
---Asking their name or anything that could identify them specifically. I don't care if study claims to discard that info. Might not be an issue here, but set my job they'd ask for people by name, which understandably made some worry about their anonymity even if told identifying info was discarded.
---My most hated surveys to give were when the questions were so obviously worded in a manipulative fashion, and designed to twist responses. Some clever respondents world catch on and I'd smile on the other end of the phone, happy for them. Other poor souls - not even necessarily dim, just tired or busy or too young or idealistic or trusting - wouldn't notice. And I'm there knowing they want to get one view across but their answers given, the survey was designed to twist them into something else entirely and that's just shady. God I hated that job lol.
If I think of others I'll edit.
Good:
---When at the end respondents could give their opinions, just written, no multiple choice, whether about their feelings on the survey itself in some way, or to add something they felt important to cover that wasn't coveted in survey.
---Respectful wording on more personal subject matters. People respond better despite being anonymous respondents when something is worded in a way that is neutral and not judgemental or biased. But this ties in with manipulatively worded surveys that totally skew your actual answers.
---a space to note of anything should have been included or left out, to improve future surveys
---letting people know what the fruits ofthesurvey results are... What are they trying to ddiscern and WHY, wwhat's the goal?
---Wording questions in a way normal people speak. I cannot tell you how many questions were clearly written by people who were just not good communicators. They were either ty oo long winded, boring, unclear, or cold. A skilled writer can still achieve the end goal without boring, confusing, or offending.
---Don't sound judgemental
---remind respondents of what important work you are stunning fir and thank them for their help. People aren't inclined, if not being paid or compensated, to take tons of surveys that don't even express gratitude or emphasize the importance of gathering thus info
---don't disguise surveys that are hateful of drug takers as not. Fuck that. I am careful when I read exactly how things are written and whether the multiple choices are fair. If I see any fake, lying, manipulative bull, I'm out. I'm not willing to participate in a study that wants to demonize us or even most drugs and especially not all drugs, and I promise you I will notice of yore trying to hide those intentions in a survey I will voice my disgust after refusing to complete it. Be genuine, interested, and fascinated by your research with good intentions based on facts, and I'm all good.
---keep it truly anonymous. Don't lie.