>
Glossary

InnoProbe Insight

Glossary

Single option

Single option question type, also known as single-choice or single-select question type, is a type of question used in online surveys where respondents are presented with multiple options but can select only one answer. This type of question simplifies the response process for participants and makes data analysis easier for researchers or survey administrators. Single option question types are commonly used when the survey designer wants to understand preferences, opinions, or choices that are mutually exclusive.

 

Multiple option

Multiple option question type, also known as multiple choice or multiple selection question type, is a common question format used in online surveys. This question type presents respondents with a list of options or choices, and they are asked to select one or more answers from the list. In online surveys, multiple option questions are useful for gathering data on preferences, opinions, and experiences. They can be particularly helpful when you want to identify trends, patterns, or commonalities among respondents. Multiple option questions should be designed with clear and concise options, avoiding ambiguous or overlapping choices. Additionally, it is essential to include an appropriate number of options to ensure the question is neither too limiting nor overwhelming for respondents.

 

Completes

“Completes” in online surveys refers to the stage at which a respondent has fully completed and submitted a survey. It indicates that the participant has answered all required questions and has successfully submitted their responses for analysis.

 

Closed-ended question

Closed-ended question types in online surveys for market research are questions that offer a predetermined set of response options for respondents to choose from. These types of questions limit the possible answers, making it easier to analyze and quantify the data.

 

Open-ended question

An open-ended question type in online surveys refers to a question format that allows respondents to provide answers in their own words, without any predefined options or constraints. This type of question encourages participants to express their thoughts, opinions, or experiences in a more nuanced and detailed manner.

Open-ended questions can provide valuable insights that may not be captured by closed-ended questions (e.g., multiple choice, rating scales, or yes/no questions) because they enable respondents to offer unique perspectives and elaborate on their responses. They can help researchers uncover new ideas, identify patterns or trends, and better understand the reasons behind certain attitudes or behaviors.

 

Skip logic

Skip logic, also known as branching or conditional branching, is a feature used to customize the survey experience for respondents based on their previous answers. It enables the survey designer to create a more efficient and relevant questionnaire by directing respondents to specific questions or sections within the survey, depending on their previous responses.

In essence, skip logic allows for a more personalized and targeted survey by eliminating irrelevant questions for each respondent. This leads to a better user experience, higher response rates, and more accurate data collection.

For example, if a respondent answers “yes” to a question about owning a smartphone, they might be directed to a set of questions about their smartphone usage. If they answer “no,” they might skip those questions entirely and move on to a different topic. By implementing skip logic, researchers can gather more meaningful and relevant data from their respondents, while also reducing the time and effort required for survey completion.

 

Drop-down list

A drop-down list is an interactive form element that allows respondents to choose one option from a predefined list of choices. This type of question is commonly used in online surveys to simplify the process of collecting data and make it easier for respondents to answer questions without having to type their responses manually.

Drop-down lists are particularly useful in market research surveys for several reasons:

Clarity and organization: They help keep the survey neat and organized, allowing respondents to quickly choose from a list of options without scrolling through a long list of radio buttons or checkboxes.

Reducing survey length: Drop-down lists can minimize the space occupied by questions with multiple answer choices, making the survey appear shorter and more manageable.

Controlled responses: By providing a predefined list of options, you ensure that respondents’ answers are within the scope of the research question and prevent them from providing irrelevant or inappropriate responses.

Ease of data analysis: Since respondents select from a fixed set of options, it is easier to compile, sort, and analyze the data collected, making the process of evaluating survey results more efficient.

 

Pre-targeting options

Pre-targeting options refer to the process of identifying and selecting potential respondents based on specific criteria before the actual survey is conducted. In market research, pre-targeting helps ensure that the survey reaches the right audience, making the research findings more accurate and relevant to the study objectives.

Here are some common pre-targeting options used in online surveys for market research:

Demographics: Pre-target respondents based on their age, gender, ethnicity, income, education, occupation, or other demographic variables that are relevant to the research objectives.

Geographics: Pre-target respondents based on their location, such as country, region, city, or neighborhood. This can be particularly useful for studies focusing on regional or local markets.

Psychographics: Pre-target respondents based on their interests, hobbies, lifestyle, attitudes, or other psychological traits that may be relevant to the research question.

Behavior: Pre-target respondents based on their past or present behavior, such as purchase history, brand preferences, website visits, or app usage.

Online panel membership: Pre-target respondents from a specific online panel or database that has been developed and maintained by a market research firm or survey provider. These panels usually have extensive profile information about their members, making it easier to target specific groups.

Social media data: Pre-target respondents based on their social media activities, such as the pages they follow, posts they like or share, or hashtags they use.

Custom criteria: Pre-target respondents based on specific criteria defined by the researcher, such as membership in a particular organization, participation in a specific event, or having a particular skill or certification.

Using pre-targeting options in online surveys helps researchers reach the most relevant respondents, which can lead to more accurate insights and better decision-making.

 

Quota control

– Quota control is used to ensure that the collected data represents specific subgroups within a target population in proportion to their actual presence in the population. This technique helps to increase the accuracy and generalizability of the research findings.

In quota control, researchers establish predetermined limits or quotas for each subgroup based on their demographic characteristics, such as age, gender, ethnicity,  income, education, or geographic location. These quotas are often set based on census data or other reliable sources.

As the survey progresses, the researchers monitor the responses to ensure that the quotas are being met for each subgroup. Once the quota for a particular subgroup has been reached, no more participants from that subgroup are allowed to take part in the survey. This helps to avoid over- or under-representation of any specific subgroup and ensures a more accurate reflection of the target population.

In summary, quota control in online surveys is a method used to manage the composition of survey samples in market research to achieve a more representative and balanced sample, which can lead to more accurate and reliable results.

 

Raw data

Raw data refers to the unprocessed, unfiltered, and unorganized information collected directly from respondents.

These responses are gathered through various methods, such as questionnaires, polls, or interviews, and provide researchers with a wealth of information to analyze and understand consumer behavior, preferences, opinions, and trends. Raw data usually includes:

Demographics: Information about the respondents, such as age, gender, location, income, and other relevant details.

Responses to survey questions: Answers to various types of questions, including multiple-choice, rating scales, ranking, open-ended, or matrix questions.

Other user-generated content: Any additional information provided by the respondents, such as comments or attachments.

Raw data is typically not suitable for direct interpretation or reporting, as it may contain errors, inconsistencies, or duplicates.

In the context of market research, the raw data is typically cleaned, transformed, and analyzed to generate insights that help businesses make informed decisions, understand their target audience, and develop strategies for marketing and product development.

 

Slider scale

A slider scale question type, also known as a sliding scale or continuous scale, is a type of question used in online surveys and market research to measure respondents’ opinions, attitudes, preferences, or behaviors. It presents a continuum of potential responses, allowing participants to indicate their answer by sliding a marker along a scale. This type of question format can be particularly helpful in capturing more nuanced or detailed feedback.

A slider scale typically consists of:

A horizontal or vertical line representing the range of possible responses

A sliding marker (or handle) that respondents can move along the scale

Scale labels or endpoints, which represent the minimum and maximum values of the scale (e.g., “Strongly Disagree” to “Strongly Agree”, “Not at all important” to “Extremely important”)

Participants slide the marker to the point on the scale that best represents their opinion or preference. The slider scale can be numerical (e.g., 0 to 100) or categorical (e.g., “Very Unsatisfied” to “Very Satisfied”).

Advantages of slider scale questions include:

Increased granularity: Slider scales can capture more nuanced data, as respondents can select a precise point on the scale rather than being limited to predefined options.

Higher engagement: The interactive nature of slider scales can make them more engaging for respondents compared to traditional rating scales like Likert or radio buttons.

Visual representation: Slider scales can provide a clear and easy-to-understand visual representation of the response spectrum, which can help respondents make more accurate judgments.

However, it is important to note that slider scale questions can sometimes be more challenging to analyze, as the data collected may be more varied and detailed than data from simpler question types. Additionally, some respondents may find the slider scale difficult to use on small screens or mobile devices, so it’s crucial to ensure that the survey design is mobile-friendly.

 

Matrix or rating scale

Matrix or rating scale question type is a commonly used question format in online surveys, particularly in market research. This type of question allows respondents to provide their opinions, preferences, or attitudes on multiple items or attributes by rating them along a consistent scale.

In a matrix question, the surveyor presents a series of related statements, attributes, or factors in rows, and a consistent rating scale in columns. Respondents are asked to evaluate each row item according to the provided scale. The scale can be numerical (e.g., 1 to 5), descriptive (e.g., strongly agree to strongly disagree), or a combination of both.

Some advantages of matrix or rating scale question types include:

Efficiency: They allow surveyors to collect data on multiple items or attributes at once, saving space and time.

Consistency: By providing a standardized scale, matrix questions enable respondents to easily compare their ratings across different items.

Easy analysis: The structured nature of matrix questions facilitates quantitative analysis, as researchers can easily calculate averages, percentages, and other statistics.

However, matrix or rating scale question types also have some potential drawbacks:

Cognitive burden: Respondents may find it challenging to rate multiple items on a scale, which can lead to response fatigue and lower quality data.

Misinterpretation: Different respondents may interpret the rating scale differently, leading to potential inconsistencies in the data.

Limited response options: The predetermined scale may not capture the full range of a respondent’s opinions or attitudes.

When using matrix or rating scale question types in market research, it is crucial to ensure that the scale is clear, concise, and easy to understand, and to be cautious about including too many items in the matrix to avoid response fatigue.

 

Matrix or rating scale

Matrix or rating scale question type is a commonly used question format in online surveys, particularly in market research. This type of question allows respondents to provide their opinions, preferences, or attitudes on multiple items or attributes by rating them along a consistent scale.

In a matrix question, the surveyor presents a series of related statements, attributes, or factors in rows, and a consistent rating scale in columns. Respondents are asked to evaluate each row item according to the provided scale. The scale can be numerical (e.g., 1 to 5), descriptive (e.g., strongly agree to strongly disagree), or a combination of both.

Some advantages of matrix or rating scale question types include:

Efficiency: They allow surveyors to collect data on multiple items or attributes at once, saving space and time.

Consistency: By providing a standardized scale, matrix questions enable respondents to easily compare their ratings across different items.

Easy analysis: The structured nature of matrix questions facilitates quantitative analysis, as researchers can easily calculate averages, percentages, and other statistics.

However, matrix or rating scale question types also have some potential drawbacks:

Cognitive burden: Respondents may find it challenging to rate multiple items on a scale, which can lead to response fatigue and lower quality data.

Misinterpretation: Different respondents may interpret the rating scale differently, leading to potential inconsistencies in the data.

Limited response options: The predetermined scale may not capture the full range of a respondent’s opinions or attitudes.

When using matrix or rating scale question types in market research, it is crucial to ensure that the scale is clear, concise, and easy to understand, and to be cautious about including too many items in the matrix to avoid response fatigue.

 

Personal Identifiable Data

Personal Identifiable Information (PII) refers to any information that can be used to identify an individual, either directly or when combined with other data. In the context of market research in Singapore, PII data is typically collected, processed, and analyzed to gain insights into consumer behavior, preferences, and trends, ultimately helping businesses make informed decisions.

Singapore has strict regulations surrounding the collection, usage, and disclosure of PII. The Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) is the primary data protection law in Singapore that governs the handling of personal data by organizations. Some examples of PII data within the Singapore context include:

Full name

National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) number or Foreign Identification Number (FIN)

Passport number

Date of birth

Residential address

Email address

Telephone number

Employment information

Financial information, such as bank account or credit card numbers

Internet Protocol (IP) address or device identifiers

Photographs or images, especially those containing facial features

In market research, organizations must adhere to the PDPA’s requirements and guidelines when collecting, using, or disclosing personal data. They must obtain individuals’ consent, notify them of the purposes for which their data will be used, and ensure that the collected data is accurate and secure. Organizations should also limit the collection, use, and retention of personal data to what is necessary for their purposes and should remove or anonymize the data once it is no longer needed.

 

Personal Identifiable Data

Personal Identifiable Information (PII) refers to any information that can be used to identify an individual, either directly or when combined with other data. In the context of market research in Singapore, PII data is typically collected, processed, and analyzed to gain insights into consumer behavior, preferences, and trends, ultimately helping businesses make informed decisions.

Singapore has strict regulations surrounding the collection, usage, and disclosure of PII. The Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) is the primary data protection law in Singapore that governs the handling of personal data by organizations. Some examples of PII data within the Singapore context include:

Full name

National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) number or Foreign Identification Number (FIN)

Passport number

Date of birth

Residential address

Email address

Telephone number

Employment information

Financial information, such as bank account or credit card numbers

Internet Protocol (IP) address or device identifiers

Photographs or images, especially those containing facial features

In market research, organizations must adhere to the PDPA’s requirements and guidelines when collecting, using, or disclosing personal data. They must obtain individuals’ consent, notify them of the purposes for which their data will be used, and ensure that the collected data is accurate and secure. Organizations should also limit the collection, use, and retention of personal data to what is necessary for their purposes and should remove or anonymize the data once it is no longer needed.

 

Ranking

– A ranking question type is a question format that asks respondents to rank a list of items, options, or preferences in a specific order. This type of question is used to gather insights about the relative importance, preference, or priority of the items being ranked.

Ranking questions can be helpful in understanding how customers perceive the significance of various product features, service attributes, or any other aspect being studied. Respondents are typically presented with a list of options and asked to rank them in order of preference, importance, or likelihood to use, among other criteria.

 

Screening criteria

-Screening criteria refers to a set of predetermined characteristics, qualifications, or requirements that participants must meet in order to be eligible for the survey. These criteria help ensure that the data collected is relevant and representative of the target population or demographic that the research is aiming to study.

-Screening questions are typically included at the beginning of the survey to filter out participants who do not meet the required criteria. Respondents who fail to meet the screening criteria are usually disqualified from participating in the survey, while those who meet the criteria are allowed to continue and complete the survey. This ensures that the collected data is accurate, reliable, and relevant to the research objectives.

 

API Integration

API integration refers to the process of connecting an online survey platform with other applications or software through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). APIs allow different software systems to communicate with each other and exchange data, enabling seamless integration and automation of processes.

In the context of market research, API integration can offer several benefits, including:

Automating data collection: By connecting a survey platform with CRM systems, social media platforms, or other data sources, you can automatically collect and store survey responses without manual intervention, thus streamlining the data collection process.

Personalizing surveys: Integrating APIs can help you tailor surveys by pulling relevant data from other platforms, such as customer demographics, purchase history, or preferences, enabling you to create more targeted and relevant questions for respondents.

Real-time data analysis: With API integration, you can connect your survey platform to analytics tools or business intelligence systems for real-time analysis of survey responses. This enables you to quickly identify trends, patterns, or issues, allowing for faster decision-making and improved responsiveness to market changes.

Enhanced distribution: APIs can help you reach a larger audience by integrating your survey platform with email marketing services, SMS gateways, or social media platforms, enabling you to distribute surveys more efficiently and reach potential respondents through multiple channels.

Simplifying data management: By integrating survey platforms with data storage solutions or databases, you can streamline data management processes, making it easier to store, access, and analyze survey data.

In summary, API integration in online surveys in market research allows for better data collection, analysis, and management, leading to more efficient and effective market research processes.

contact us