What question should you NOT ask about compensation surveys to determine their quality?

When evaluating the quality of compensation surveys, it is essential to focus on the content and methodology of the surveys rather than their cost. The question regarding the cost of the survey does not provide insight into the reliability or accuracy of the data being presented.

To assess the quality of compensation survey data, it is more critical to ask about the accuracy of the data collected, the sample size used, and how frequently the data is updated. These factors directly impact the validity of the survey results: accurate data indicates reliability; a larger sample size generally enhances the representativeness of the data; and frequent updates ensure that the information reflects the current market conditions.

In contrast, the cost of the survey doesn't inform you about any of these important characteristics. Therefore, focusing on the price detracts from a quality assessment and doesn’t help determine whether the compensation data provided by the survey is robust and applicable to your organization's needs.