How can probing improve survey responses?

What will be an ideal response?

Politics is not on the top of everyone’s mind. Consequently, it is often necessary to tease out responses. An interviewer can probe for additional information or clarification. He or she can gently encourage the respondent to think a bit or add more information rather than just provide an off-the-cuff answer. You could, as many polls do, list a number of qualities or characteristics that respondents can apply to the choices. But this technique assumes that you know what people are thinking. Often, however, people pause a moment before responding. A trained interviewer waits a short while for the person to gather his or her thoughts. If the answer is not totally clear, the interviewer can ask for clarification. By asking for clarification, the interviewer can increase the accuracy of the recorded answer and improve understanding of respondent opinions.