The Institute routinely sends out surveys to segments of the MIT community on a wide range of issues. Occasionally, departments, labs and centers will run their own surveys.
In the past, creating these surveys was time-consuming and tedious. The technical workings behind an online survey are complex. It is important to capture the data in a confidential manner, and report the findings so that they provide a clear picture of the survey responses.
The Office of Institutional Research has been using Qualtrics for a few years. This enterprise survey tool is now available to the MIT community, so that groups can administer their own surveys using Qualtrics.
Unlike various free tools for online polling, Qualtrics can be used for many different research initiatives. In addition to academic research, such as experimental design and statistical surveys, you can use this sophisticated tool to run surveys for satisfaction ratings, alumni outreach, program administration, institutional assessments, course or professor evaluations, and elections.
Features: What’s in the box?
Qualtrics is versatile and includes many features, including:
- many types of prompts beyond multiple choice, including video;
- multiple ways to provide responses;
- user-friendly interface, with no programming necessary;
- mobile-friendly design;
- options for testing your survey before you send it; and
- substantial support and training videos.
Be aware of the fine print
There are a few rules of use, best practices and limitations to using Qualtrics at MIT, so don’t forget to read the fine print before you set up your account. Remember that participation in all surveys at MIT is voluntary.
