Exercise 10.2: Improving the Wording of Survey Questions The following survey items have question wording problems. Identify the problems and rewrite the questions:

1. Many people say that the government spends too much on welfare programs. Do you agree or disagree?



2. Do you favor or oppose the radical new approach to funding schools in your community?



3. Do you support new legislation to improve automobile safety and reduce harmful emissions?



4. Do you agree or disagree that major tax cuts should not be undertaken at this time?



5. Do you agree or disagree that the president should have the power of a line-item veto?



6. If the president vetoed an act passed by Congress to limit funding for NASA would you urge Congress to override the veto?



7. Do you floss your teeth every day?



8. Do you agree or disagree that income taxes should be cut and property taxes increased?



9. Do you oppose the unfair reduction in state unemployment compensation?



10. Many people believe that people who are suspected of committing crimes are given too many legal protections. Some people believe that current rights given to the accused are about right. What is your view?



11. Do you support or oppose proposed restrictions on OSHA?



12. Do you read a news magazine regularly?



13. Do you watch the news on television and read a newspaper every day?



14. What is the most important thing that can be done to keep the economy from falling deeper into a recession?



15. Do you agree or disagree that it is not a good idea to not recycle newspapers?