Chapter 8: Selecting survey software

Question 1

What are the 4 different types of survey software?

Answer 1

1. Web survey software
2. do-it-yourself ostware
3. software without hosting
4. software from creation websites

Question 2

Tell something about web survey software (4)

Answer 2

1. WYSIWYG
2. USP is the ease of use
3. More freedom in creating a visually attractive survey with PHP/HTML
4. CSS for a look and feel representing your sponsor

Question 3

Tell me something about do-it-yourself software (2)

Answer 3

1. Required high-level of coding/programming experience

2. Provides the most customizability possible

Question 4

Tell me something about software without hosting (4)

Answer 4

1. Tools require you to download software or access an interface through website
2. High degree of customizability
3. Potential for higher data security
4. Particulary investing for researchers interested in metadata

Question 5

Tell me something about form creation websites

Answer 5

1. Free
2. Quite easy
3. Look unprofessional and have little security

Question 6

Tell some characteristics about low budget software ( < 30 dollar) (5)

Answer 6

1. Minimal options
2. Lack of support for researcher and respondent
3. Less professional look
4. . More potential for error
5. Less centralized management of tools

Question 7

Tell me some characteristics about medium budget software (30 - 200 dollar) (5)

Answer 7

1. Large number of responses (500 - 2000)
2. Multiple concurrent surveys
3. Basic survey logic and look/feel
4. Proper support
5. Question templates to improve and speed up survey development

Question 8

Tell me some characteristics about big budget survey software (200 dollar +) (5)

Answer 8

1. Highly customizable question design
2. A lot of training resources
3. Unlimited respondents and users
4. Integration with other survey modes
5. Advanced support features

Question 9

What do you need to take into account in software selection when using a mixed-mode design? (3)

Answer 9

1. Translation of unprintable aspects and/or transformation to more auditory friendly format
2. Ease of data entry and information management
3. Handling contact information and personal template creation

Question 10

What do you need to take into account in selecting survey software if you want to use a panel study for multiple waves? (3)

Answer 10

1. Find a tool that handles emailing contacts automatically
2. Find a tool that tracks cookies for response status
3. Find a tool that sets easy reminders for yourself and respondents

Question 11

Different options in regards to data analysis in survey software (3)

Answer 11

1. Data format
2. Basic analysis such as descriptive, reliability and cross tabs
3. Full-suite analysis

Question 12

Other features to consider in selecting survey software (4)

Answer 12

1. Language support
2. Personal templates
3. Additional contacts ahndeling
4. Accessibility options