What are Survey Forms for?
When you start to research a topic, you might not know exactly how you will be using the data you collect. Regardless, you need to organize your data, and survey forms are a great way to start. Survey forms ensure the same type of information is collected from each of your datasets; you can export all of the results in a spreadsheet.
Survey forms are useful for:
- Collecting responses from people
- Recording data about different documents/objects/audiovisual resources (e.g., create a custom form to record specific information about your archives).
- Recording geographic locations plus characteristics about those locations (e.g., recording locations of statues on campus + information from their plaques).
Learn Survey Design at Brandeis
There are a plethora of options for designing surveys at Brandeis. Dr. Margarita Corral can help you choose the right platform based on your research needs. She offers workshops and 1:1 appointments. Feel free to contact her directly for advice about your project.
Software Overview
Qualtrics is for collecting and analyzing survey data. More functions means a bigger learning curve, but Qualtrics can usefully manage all steps of your project. It is possible to analyze survey data recorded in other platforms (like Google Forms) but moving between platforms will require extra formatting and cleaning steps. Visit Brandeis’ Qualtrics Guide to learn about training resources, or contact Dr. Corral directly.
Google Forms is a simple, easy-to-use option and is accessible on mobile devices. There are several different question formats and options for protecting respondents’ identities.
Kobo Toolbox is an open-source survey tool. There’s an easy interface with a wide range of question formats (multiple choice, fill-in, drop down, etc.). Share the link and access it on your mobile device. Unlike Google Forms, Kobo allows respondents to record locations.
Survey 1,2,3 is for recording geographic locations, plus attributes (i.e. characteristics) about those locations. Survey 1,2,3 is part of ESRI’s software suite, and you can easily transfer the data into ArcGIS software to create maps and analyze spatial relationships. Survey 1, 2, 3 is not open source. Keep that restriction in mind if you’re working with community partners or other institutions.