Illustration of Best Survey Software Tools
Collecting classified data for analysis from appropriate number and categories of people is at the core of all online survey software tools. The distinctness of the tools is in developing a range of questions like simple, matrix type, multiple responses or open ended type.
Two important categories of online survey tools now in extensive use are ‘PC survey software’ a resident server-based software and ‘Hosted survey software’, a hired software operating from the website of the vendor. Flexibility in design, administration support and ease in use, respondent comfort, data analysis and website integration are some factors that the user considers in the selection of survey software tools.
‘Surveymonkey’ is an economic and popular basic online hosted survey tool, operating from our own PC. System generated web-form is posted to websites and the data is collected in the designated email box, processed and stored in database. It enables a creation of multi-page survey through its folder structure and its distinct feature of ‘search by title’. It employs ‘skip logic’ while performing complex surveys for efficient accomplishment. The generated reports are minimal but the results can be exported to another application for more serious analysis.
‘Key Survey’, a very sophisticated and robust survey tool, offers a comprehensive set of features. It provides support for teacher/student surveys, multimedia questions and role-based permissions through its rare and advanced technique of LDAP integration which also allows single-sign-on models for big establishments. Using the processes of skip logic and piping, it has a proven track record for its ability to analyze the data and providing cross-tabulation reports to handle complex statistical analysis. Survey data can be exchanged with outside applications through its API mode.
‘PollDaddy’ with its flexible survey administrator has the ability to provide surveys and polls which can easily be embedded into relevant applications and external websites. The look of the survey can be varied from fully customized template to a completely pre-designed template through a process of editing style-sheet code. Header graphics in templates, color and font updating features matching the website or organizational branding are some chief aspects of the tool. It delivers the surveys in pop-up windows and tracks results via RSS feed.
‘Moodle’ belongs to a separate category of course management software suited for nonprofit making organizations like schools and universities. This powerful all-in-one website can integrate content management of the website and online course management on one side and survey analysis and test taking solutions on the other. The survey tools are enabled to handle the complexities in gathering feedback from students, process and analyze and provides support in assessing teaching methods. A number of tested and verified survey instruments effectively perform these functions.
‘LimeSurvey’ is another open source free survey package suitable for nonprofits, capable of a range of survey features supporting about 40 different languages. Survey look and feel can be fully customized with the inclusion of skip logic, piping and blast emailing. The customization can be easily handled by developers with basic knowledge about PHP/MYSQL. In addition, it provides a library of available survey questions for randomization. The question creation feature includes embedding pictures and videos for improved customer experience. This website is dynamic and under active development, addressing new requirements and new priorities.
