Q: Is a web survey right for me?
A: A web survey can be a powerful tool for studying populations with Internet access and can be readily identified through e-mail addresses. The Harvard University Program on Survey Research offers guidance in general survey research methodology, including how to write effective questions, build a sampling frame, and field a survey. See our website at http://psr.iq.harvard.edu/ for more information.
Q: How do I get a Key Survey account?
A: Contact us at psr-info@lists.iq.harvard.edu to get an account through Harvard PSR. Be sure to provide your first and last name, a valid Harvard email address, phone number, and Department affiliation. We cannot create an account without these details.
After that, you can log in to your account so you can design, edit, launch, and monitor your survey.
Q: Do I have to know HTML/XML in order to design my survey?
A: No technical knowledge is needed. Key Survey’s user-friendly interface will guide you through the design and management of your survey.
Q: How do I start a new survey?
A: Once you have logged in with the username and password provided, click the “New Survey” button at the top of the page. You’ll then have the option of selecting from several question templates, or of designing your own study from scratch.
Q: How long will my study stay active?
A: Studies remain active for 30 days. If you need more time, please contact us to see about the availability of a license extension.
Q: How do I retrieve my data?
A: Extracting your data is a straightforward process. Key Survey can export data to Excel, CSV, or SPSS. On your Surveys page, click the Report button to the right of the appropriate survey name. Once you’re on the Reports page, click the Publish button. Choose the format you would like, and whether you want Labels, Values, or a version that includes both. A pop-up box will ask whether you’d like to open the file or save it to your computer.
Q: Who will receive my questionnaire?
A: You typically need to provide a list of email addresses. The Program on Survey Research can help you develop a well-designed sampling frame. Once you launch your survey, a customized email message will be sent to each email address that you provide, asking the prospective respondents to complete your questionnaire. It is, however, possible to collect data from a “convenience” sample simply by adding a link to the survey on a website.
Q: Do I need special approval from my local IRB?
A: Research conducted at Harvard involving human subjects is governed by Harvard University regulations and guidelines. Before conducting research with human subjects at Harvard, you should check with the appropriate Institutional Review Board (IRB) (or human-subjects committee) to determine whether review is necessary or whether it’s exempt from review requirements. Students should discuss these requirements with their instructors or advisors before beginning any research with human subjects.
Faculty of Arts and Sciences Committee on the Use of Human Subjects in Research
http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~research/hum_sub/index.html#university
Harvard School of Public Health Human Subjects Committee
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/research/human-subjects-committee/
Harvard Medical School Committee on Human Studies
http://www.hms.harvard.edu/orsp/human/IRBPoliciesAndProcedures.html
If you are collaborating with someone or have an appointment at another university, you should check with the Institutional Review Board at your home institution.
Q: Can I check responses before the survey is closed?
A: As the survey administrator, you can always log in to check the status of your survey. Go to the web address you were given when you registered, and log in with your username and password. Once there, you can click on the “reports” radio button to see a customized status report for your survey.
Q: How do I send reminder emails?
A: A reminder email will be sent automatically to non-responders at a time you select when designing your survey. To set the time period for sending a reminder email, log in to your survey with the username and password provided. Click on the “Study” radio button and go to “Administration”. There you can set the number of days after which Key Survey should send out a reminder email.
Q: Where can I go for more help?
A: If you are interested in starting a web-based survey or have questions about surveys in general, contact the Harvard Program in Survey Research at psr-info@lists.iq.harvard.edu. The following tutorials are also available to get you work with Key Survey. Survey Creation Fielding your Survey Creating Reports Survey Management During normal business hours, direct support for Key Survey is available via live chat or email. The appropriate links and addresses are prominently displayed on the editing screens when you are designing a survey. More detailed information about Key Survey can be found in the Key Survey user manual. KeySurvey web site