Conduct Online Surveys
A survey software tool enables researchers to collect, analyze, and interpret data from human participants efficiently. These platforms provide a range of functionalities, including questionnaire design, data collection, and reporting, all of which are essential for conducting research across various disciplines. There are different survey software tools available to researchers at McMaster – each of which offer unique features to meet different research needs.
Choosing a Survey Software
These tools provide guidance to choose the best software option for your research needs.
Software Options
Microsoft Forms
Microsoft Forms is a web-based application that allows users to create surveys, quizzes, and polls, and collect responses in real time. It is part of the Microsoft 365 suite and provides features for data analysis and integration with other Microsoft tools. Microsoft Forms is best for simplified forms or surveys that don't require complex conditions or formatting.
Access: Microsoft Forms is available at no cost to McMaster staff, students and faculty with a valid MacID & password.
Procure: Login with your MacID & password to the McMaster Office Portal
Get support: Microsoft 365 Resources for Researchers and Discovery M365 and Zoom SharePoint.
LimeSurvey (Vice-President, Research-supported ‘Central’ Instance)
NOTE: There are many instances of LimeSurvey running at McMaster University. This information only reflects compatibility and compliance from the Central LimeSurvey Instance supported by the Office of the Vice-President, Research which is run through RHPCS. It does not reflect the compatibility and compliance of other McMaster-run LimeSurvey instances (e.g. CSU, Engineering, Library).
LimeSurvey is an open-source online survey tool that allows users to create, distribute, and analyze surveys and questionnaires. It offers a range of features including customizable templates, advanced question types, and robust data analysis capabilities. It is best used for surveys that have complex conditions.
Access: McMaster staff, students & faculty, and community members who are doing research with McMaster-affiliated people.
Procure: Login with your MacID & password to the Central LimeSurvey Instance. For external collaborators, local accounts can be requested to access the system.
Get Support:
REDCap (Faculty of Health Sciences-supported)
REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) is a secure web application for building and managing online surveys and databases, designed for use in research studies and ensuring secure data collection and management. It is widely used for capturing high-quality research data, particularly in academic and clinical research settings.
Access: Submit a ticket in the MyCSU portal to see if you’re eligible to use the FHS-supported REDCap.
Qualtrics (Faculty of Social Sciences-only)
Qualtrics is an online survey software platform that allows users to create, distribute, and analyze surveys, and manage customer, employee, product, and brand experiences. It offers advanced features such as data visualization, reporting, and integrations with various other tools and systems.
Access: Qualtrics is available at no cost to Faculty of Social Sciences faculty, staff and graduate students with a valid MacID & password.
Procure: Request for use of a Qualtrics License through Spark
Get Support: Qualtrics Support
DocuSign
DocuSign eSignature is the use of electronic signatures on contracts and other types of agreement documents. eSignature is an efficient way to support business processes, timelines, and remote work. DocuSign is best used for collecting electronic signatures for consent.
Access: DocuSign is available to licensed departments and users on a pay-per-envelope basis.
Procure: Request DocuSign eSignature License (Envelope) for your department/faculty through UTS Service Request.
Get support: UTS’ DocuSign page
Additional Support
Faculty IT Support
Faculties offer different services to support research. To see what services are available, connect with your Faculty’s IT support unit or Faculty research support.
Faculties and other research units may offer additional survey software licenses.
McMaster Ethics Boards
Contact the relevant research ethics board for additional guidance on suitability of survey software and associated practices for your research ethics.
Contact Research Data Management (RDM) Services for suitable data management options.
Contact Information Security Services for information security considerations when selecting an online data collection tool that is not supported at McMaster.
Feedback
The Digital Research Kickstarter is a living document that will be refined as we gather more information from users. We encourage and welcome any feedback. Please submit your feedback below or by emailing AskResearch.