DZComposer Posted May 6, 2010 Share Posted May 6, 2010 I've noticed an increase in polls asking qualitative questions. This is a forum pet-peeve of mine, so I will explain what polls are for.What polls are for:Polls are for determining how many members of the community agree with which option in the poll.I know, this is obvious, but if you take a closer look, you'll notice that we are talking quantitative information here. A quantitative question is one whose answer is a measurable value.What polls are not for:Qualitative questions.What is a qualitative question? A qualitative question, in a nutshell, is one whose answer is not a measurable value. These are your "what if.." " How come..." "why..." etc. type questions.EDIT: I thought of a simpler way for the comparison: A quantitative question is a counting question, while a qualitative question is a discussion question.Here are some examples to help you learn to distinguish the two types of questions:Quantitative:Which Star Fox games do you own?Which Star Fox game is your favorite?What is your highest score in Star Fox 64?Which character is your favorite?Qualitative:How should the Star Fox series continue?What does an avatar mean to you?What is your opinion on Star Fox Adventures?Why do you or do you not like Krystal?Also, there is one more thing about polls: Make sure the question has a finite number of answers, and keep the number of options within reason. If there are more possible answers than available slots for options, then don't use a poll. If you need an "Other" option, consider not using a poll. While there are valid quantitative questions that have those types of answers, they are probably too complex for a forum poll and a regular discussion thread should suffice.Also, no "What is your opinion of me?" polls. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Julius Quasar Posted May 6, 2010 Share Posted May 6, 2010 Sorry...won't happen again... :hehe: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dermot Posted May 6, 2010 Share Posted May 6, 2010 Is this about the polls I've set up? I put thought and planning into those. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DRL Posted May 6, 2010 Share Posted May 6, 2010 I apologize if I did anythingstupid... No really, I apologizeif did something which I should notbe doing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Asper Sarnoff Posted May 6, 2010 Share Posted May 6, 2010 Is this about the polls I've set up? I put thought and planning into those.No I don't think so. Your polls seems to be mostly quantitative by DZ's description. Also, they are well thought out and entertaining to participate in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dermot Posted May 6, 2010 Share Posted May 6, 2010 No I don't think so. Your polls seems to be mostly quantitative by DZ's description. Also, they are well thought out and entertaining to participate in.Thank you. ^_^ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DZComposer Posted May 6, 2010 Author Share Posted May 6, 2010 This isn't in response to any one particular poll, but rather a trend I have noticed lately.And there is no need for everyone to get pouty and apologetic. I'm not mad at anyone.BTW, I thought of a simpler way for the comparison: A quantitative question is a counting question, while a qualitative question is a discussion question. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabre Posted May 6, 2010 Share Posted May 6, 2010 How do you feel about DZs poll complaint?Qualitative Quantitative ME! XD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dermot Posted May 6, 2010 Share Posted May 6, 2010 How do you feel about DZs poll complaint?Qualitative Quantitative ME! XDCute. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Julius Quasar Posted May 6, 2010 Share Posted May 6, 2010 How do you feel about DZs poll complaint?Qualitative Quantitative ME! XD^ Okay, I'm sorry DZ, but that's just too damn funny! I can't help but laugh! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARWINGCOMMANDER 3987 Posted September 29, 2010 Share Posted September 29, 2010 How is my recent poll qualitative? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
"User" Posted September 29, 2010 Share Posted September 29, 2010 Geez people, check the post dates. :facepalm: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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