Multiple Answer Questions (MAQs) are questions that provide the survey taker with a preselected set of possible response options. Survey takers are prompted to select all of the options they feel represents their response. Survey takers can select as many of the response options as they like.
Unlike multiple choice questions, MAQs are reported as ‘the total number of respondents’ that selected each response option.
Here are some examples:
What subjects would you like to see included in our lunch-break tutoring program? (select all that apply):
- Math
- Science
- Language Arts
- Social Studies
- Health
If you have been absent from school in the past month, please indicate any of the following reasons why you missed class (select all that apply):
- I have not been absent from school in the past month
- I had a medical appointment (ex. doctor or dentist appointment)
- I was sick
- I attended an extracurricular activity (ex. soccer game or mathletes competition)
- I was on a family vacation
- I missed the school bus and could not get a ride to school
- I have been absent from school for another reason
- I prefer not to say
Difficult terms! Avoid using difficult concepts or terms when you are creating custom questions. For example, “restorative action” or “empathy.” This is especially important at the elementary level, as you want to ensure students can read and understand the questions you are asking!
Will students understand the term? Only use difficult terms in a question if it is common language used in the school, and with students.
Review of difficult terms may need to be part of the pre-survey preparation with students to ensure they will know what the question is asking when it is time to complete the survey.
For example: “How have field experiences helped you develop a sense of empathy for others?”
Considerations: Will students know what empathy is? Is this common terminology that is used around the school? If not, consider changing the question so it still asks about the concept of “empathy” without using the word in the question.
What are some things that have you feel have contributed to you being successful in school and pushing you to graduate? (select all that apply):
- Playing on a school sports team
- Intramurals
- Drama
- Myself
- Student council activities
- Staff
- Engaging classes
- Family
What areas of life do you think impact your mental health that you might want help with? (select all that apply):
- School stress
- Family problems
- Mental health of others (ex. Friends/Family)
- Gender/Sexuality
- Body image and eating disorders
- Anxiety and/or depression
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm
- Drugs or alcohol
- Sex and relationships
- Technology addiction (ex. phone, gaming, social media)