- 1). Consider the format of your document. Will participants be using this in a digital format while it is still on the computer or will you be printing them to distribute hard copies? The reason this is relevant is due to the multiple options available for creating the blank spaces.
- 2). Type your document as you normally would, making sure to double or triple space the spots where you intend on leaving a blank. You will return to these spots later to format them properly.
- 3). Consider the type of responses that participants are supposed to place in the blanks. Are they single word or multiple sentence responses? Depending on the length of the intended responses, use either the space bar or underscores (hold shift + the key to the right of 0) to denote the area where answers are expected. Space out words using underscores when the blanks are mid-sentence or insert entire lines where responses can be written out at length after a posed question.
- 4). Use the "Forms" toolbar if you intend for this document to be used on the computer as opposed to the printed version (described above). At the top of your screen when in Microsoft Word, click "View." Scroll to Toolbars and click "Form." A small bar with nine options will appear.
- 5). Using the seventh option from the left, insert frame, click and drag the box made of dotted lines in the locations where you intend participants to insert a designated answer. The box will not expand to allow additional letters so be sure that you make it large enough for the entire response to fit. This is the best option when looking for a specific answer from participants because of the size restrictions.
previous post