Using WebQ for Research

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Using WebQ for Research
http//catalyst.washington.edu
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Objectives for todays workshop

• Explore the basic features of the WebQ tool
• Introduce special research features that were
  recently added to WebQ
• Discuss some of the gotcha issues with research
  surveys
• Create a research survey

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WebQ
An online survey and data collection tool

• Create online surveys, quizzes questionnaires
• Data collected automatically for viewing on the
  web or downloading
• Many security options for password protecting
  your surveys
• Approved by Human Subjects Division for research
  surveys

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Why use WebQ?

• WebQ allows you to easily create complex Web
  surveys
• Just need a Web browser to participate
• Can link a survey from a homepage, email, etc.
• Stored on Catalyst account, so you dont have to
  use your own Web space
• Developed at the UW so you can have an immediate
  impact on new tools and design

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Why use WebQ for Research?

• WebQs data collection methods have been approved
  by UW Human Subjects Division as acceptable for
  protecting confidentiality and anonymity
• Stores results files that can be imported into
  Excel or SPSS
• Automatic feature for emailing participants while
  maintaining confidentiality
• Tested and proven security measures in place
• Lets you focus on the research and not the
  technology

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An overview of the process

• Apply for Human Subjects approval
• Create your WebQ
• Choose correct security options
• Administer survey
• Send out invitations/reminders if applicable
• View results

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How do I apply for approval?

• You must submit your own Human Subjects
  application for research
• In the application, reference your use of WebQ as
  a survey tool
• Determine which WebQ approval number is
  appropriate for your research (it depends on the
  security you select). Call us when youd like to
  get the number 206.616.3406

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Some things to consider

• If you are sending out email invitations and
  reminders, you must include the text of the
  message(s) you will use in your HSB application.
• Describe how you will provide the consent form to
  each participant.
• Include in your application screen shots of the
  return URL page if youre using one.

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Consent forms

• WebQ does not have consent forms built-in. You
  need to do them on your own.
• Solution Create a Web page that has consent form
  and two links at bottom. One link is NO and
  sends them someplace other than the survey. The
  other link is YES and sends them to survey.
  (Doesnt work if you use Custom Email List
  security)

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Example Consent Page
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Creating Research Surveys

• Best to design your survey on paper, get Human
  Subject approval, and then build it in WebQ.
• Standard security choices
• Any UW NetID
• Specific UW NetIDs
• None
• Referrer Page
• (research specific choices on next page)

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Research security

• Research surveys have
• Custom Email List security option
• Each participant assigned a random number
• Unique survey URLs used for each participant
• Unique number is linked to participants email
  address in the code translation table
• SSL encryption
• All research surveys are encrypted

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Security options
https//catalyst.washington.edu/webtools/secure/we
bq/security.html
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Using custom email lists

• Email invitations
• Compose a message to a list of participants
• WebQ will include a unique URL and technical
  information
• Participants can have non-UW addresses
• Email reminders
• Only sent to those who have not completed the
  survey
• Tell Human Subjects on your application how many
  times you will send reminders

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Data files

• Identifying information (recorded by WebQ) is
  kept separate from survey data
• Code translation file contains identifying
  information and provides a key
• You cannot view data and identifying info at the
  same time, or download both files simultaneously

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Data collection

• If you select either UW NetID security option,
  WebQ will collect UW NetIDs (identifying
  information). However, you technically could put
  questions into your survey that ask identifying
  information. Avoid asking questions like What
  is your name? Human Subjects will review the
  content of your survey to avoid this.

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Drawings, compensation, etc.

• If you need to collect identifying information
  use two separate surveys.
• First survey collects anonymous data
• First surveys return URL points to second survey
• Second survey collects identifying information.
• Results between surveys are not linked

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Lets create a research survey!

• Go to the main menu of WebQ . . .
• http//catalyst.washington.edu/webtools/

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Configuration
Select For Research
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Preferences

• Title of survey will show at the top of your
  survey
• Return URL is the page (if any) that you
  wantyour participants to be directed to after
  they finishthe survey. If you dont supply one
  theyll see the default screen that just
  summarizes their submission.
• Time limit is usually onlyapplicable to
  courses
• Choose appropriatesecurity. If you select
  custom email list you willbe prompted to
  providethe addresses on the nextscreen.

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Providing addresses
Type or cut and paste the email addresses of your
participants. You can provide their first and
last names if you wish and the system will
customize the email invitations with each
participants name.
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Selecting a question type

• There are 9 question types ranging from numbers
  to multiple choice to comment fields
• Use general instructions to include non-question
  data in your survey
• Examples of the different question types are
  available here
• http//webq.catalyst.washington.edu/survey.cgi?use
  rctltsurvey80

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Create question

• Enter question text. You can use HTML commands
  anywhere within the text
• Enter answer choices (for multiple choice types)
• Choose to require question
• Choose to add image

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Administer your survey

• Send URL to participants by email, link on web
  page, or in class. Beware that different email
  programs may munge the URL. Warn your
  participants that the URL needs to be all one
  line and not broken up.
• Or, use WebQs email invitation option if you
  selected custom email list security.

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Viewing Results

• WebQ does basic analysis that you can view
  online.
• Download your data file as a comma-delimited file
  to import into Excel or SPSS.
• 1. Choose Complete comma-delimited file (w/ new
  data values) from results menu.
• 2. Save file as type All Files from within
  browser.
• 3. Open file in Excel. Choose delimited and
  check the comma box.

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Gotchas

• SPSS doesnt ignore commas inside quotes
  solution is to import into Excel and them export
  in tab-delimited format.
• Some users inherently double-click submit button
  and you get duplicate data
• Plan ahead in order to get your application
  properly approved by Human Subjects

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More information

• Contact us for
• Help, presentations, workshops, demonstrations
• New tool ideas, participate in usability studies
• Contact us at
• catalyst_at_u.washington.edu
• Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology,
  OUGL 230 - Drop in from M-F, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Call 616-8154
• Immediate tools assistance at 616-3406

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Evaluation

• Please complete introductory session evaluation
  before leaving.
• Thank you for participating!