Favorite Survey Software Packages for 2008

I know I said I wasn’t going to do this, but I get asked this question a lot so I’ve caving in. Here are my (current) favorite survey software packages:

Qualtrics: (internet survey software) has a fantastic variety of question types with a really easy to use survey development system. Also features advanced survey branching capabilities including looping, random blocks of questions and more.

SurveyGizmo: (internet survey software) Also extremely easy to use survey package with a lot of features. Probably the most “Web 2.0″ survey system out their. Friendly, irreverant, with plenty of features for both the advanced user who wants to control every element of the survey experience and the analyst who just wants to get the project done. Has good e-mail invite capabilities, basic analysis tools. Plus, the free account has more features than any other “free” accounts I’ve seen. Continue →

Posted on October 18, 2008 by kupferman | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

SPSS 18 New Features Survey

SPSS has been conducting a survey for the last couple of weeks to help them develop SPSS Statistics 18 (the “new” name of what has formerly just been known as SPSS 17). One generally imagines that the questions that are asked provide insight into the types of new features they are considering, Continue →

Posted on October 17, 2008 by kupferman | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Great Statistical Resource: The Analysis Factor StatChat

Statistical consultant Karen Grace-Martin launched a new blog in July, 2008 called “StatChat” which makes a lot of relevant, important, but sometimes hard to grasp statistical concepts easy to understand. Categories of postings include linear regression, missing data, spss, sas, anova, factor analysis, and sample size — things that all market research deal with on a regular basis (whether they like it or not!).

Karen is the founder and president of The Analysis Factor, a professional statistical consulting firm. Karen holds advanced degrees in both applied statistics and social psychology. She was a professional statistical consultant at Cornell University for seven years before founding her own company, and has taught statistics at the University of California Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara City College. She has also co-written an introductory statistics textbook called Data Analysis with SPSS.

http://www.analysisfactor.com/statchat/

Posted on October 10, 2008 by kupferman | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

SPSS 17.0 Features Announced

SPSS 17.0 will feature improved research and reporting tools, greater accessibility for business users combined with new functionality for statistical programmers, and easier enterprise integration, deployment and management.

SPSS 17.0 new features will include:

  • Various new algorithms, plus improved speed and performance with additional multithreaded procedures.
  • New multiple imputation procedure in SPSS Missing Values that helps you more easily compelte datasets for more reliable analysis
  • Updated syntax editor that makes it easier to create, test and correct syntax
  • Improved integration with Microsoft Office
  • New SPSS EZ RFM (Recency, Frequency, Monetary value) module to help analysts identify top customers and clients
  • Ability to integrate third-party applications, procedures, and graphics packages created in R (through plug-ins)
  • Enhanced administrative tools to improve IT configuration of software.

Also to be released is a new SPSS EZ RFM module, designed to help marketers use recency, frequency, and monetary value analysis to find their most valuable customers.

Posted on July 14, 2008 by kupferman | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

SPSS or Excel

Why use a data analysis package like SPSS when you could use Excel? I’ve just come across an interesting marketing piece from SPSS that goes into benefits one gets from using a dedicated data analysis package instead of trying to do all of your analysis in a spreadsheet. While it would be fair to expect that this isn’t necessary an unbiased comparison, it might offer some food for thought to those of you trying to figure out why you should bother to upgrade. Continue →

Posted on May 26, 2008 by kupferman | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Four Factors That Determine the Maximum Length of Your Online Survey

How long should your online survey be? I’ve seen and participated in a number of discussions on this topics over the last several years. After all, you want to collect as much information as possible from your respondents but at the same time you don’t want to annoy them to the point where they quit the survey half-way through. I’ve compiled a list of four factors/questions which determine how long your online survey can reasonably be to avoid dropouts. Continue →

Posted on April 30, 2008 by kupferman | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Survey Software Email Deliverability Issues

Most survey software systems offer the ability to send out invitations to your potential respondents on your behalf. But how many of the e-mails actually get through, and how many end up in the spam folder? If there is one thing I’ve learned over the years, you can’t assume that your survey software provider will offer the same level of e-mail deliverability management as an e-mail vendor. Continue →

Posted on April 2, 2008 by kupferman | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Online Center for Dentures & Dental Implants

Not for nothing, but I’ve just developed a new web site completely unrelated to MarketResearchTech for my dentist, who wanted to get onto the web. It takes a different approach than most dental related web sites and I’d certainly welcome your feedback before it goes live. The site can be reached at the following link:

Posted on March 29, 2008 by kupferman | Leave a comment

SPSS 16 for Mac Doesn't Make the Cut

SPSS 16 for Mac Startup ScreenBertolt Meyer has written a not-so-happy review of SPSS for the Mac 16.0. His general thesis is that it is the “most insulting piece of software” he has ever come across. He felt that it didn’t look nor act like an Macintosh application; it isn’t properly internationalized; and more than a dozen bugs. Continue →

Posted on March 29, 2008 by kupferman | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

QuestionPro Survey Software Blog

The founders/employees of QuestionPro maintain an interesting company blog that, in addition to describing specific features of their service, also includes a variety of more useful, general information that anyone can theoretically use with any survey service. It’s always nice to see a company that isn’t just focused on getting more clients but is also willing to add to the general knowledge available online. Continue →

Posted on March 28, 2008 by kupferman | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments