Include only essential questions. Fill-in demographic information for the participant before giving them the main survey. Make the survey as brief as possible to minimize frustration and stress.
Simplify the language used when talking to participants and on the survey. Substitute complex words and verbose passages with simple equivalents. For example, instead of stating "This educational institution has over 500 enrollment," state "our university has over 500 students."
Add visual aids to clarify questions on paper forms. Instead of writing "Describe your mood in words," provide a variety of pictures with clear facial expressions that correspond with feelings. Use distinctive fonts to emphasize important instructions. Include graphs and charts.
Have a proctor -- live or recorded -- read survey questions aloud. Read through the questions one at a time allowing time for a response instead of handing participants a hard copy survey. Sit with participants as they are tested; be available so that they can ask questions. Whenever possible, have unaffiliated volunteers administer surveys to avoid contaminating results.
Allow participants to respond in writing or orally. Provide each person with a voice recorder for documenting answers. Encourage younger participants to draw out responses if they have difficulty articulating full sentences with appropriate words.