This would leave the respondent unsure that it would take time for him/her to answer the question, and could even lead to an unanswered question in the survey. To account for this uncertainty, the question could be phrased, "Based on what you can recall (or based on your recollection), when did you first start chewing gum?" While the answer could not be accurately true, the response provided would at least be considered as reported/recalled by the respondent.
How much discretionary buying power do you have each year?
The term "discretionary buying power" is too complex for the respondent to understand. At best, the researcher could ask the respondent if s/he could provide the percentages or proportion of expenses s/he incur every year, and identify the products or services these percentages/proportions are spent on every year.
Why did you decide to attend Big State University?
While this question is acceptable to ask the respondent, the researcher must also indicate within the question that s/he knows there could be more than one reason why the respondent decided to attend Big State University. The question can be rephrased as follows: "What are the reasons that made you decide to attend Big State University? What else? Anything else?" Probing questions are added to ensure that all possible answers are exhausted from the respondent.
Do you think the president is doing a good job now?
This question can be answered by a simple "yes" or "no." If the researcher is looking for more depth in the respondent's answer than a simple yes or no, then s/he could rephrase the question to, "Do you think the president is doing a good job now? Why? Why else? Anything else?" Probing questions are added to ensure that all possible answers are exhausted...
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