Qualtrics

Qualtrics is a web-based survey service that is available for use by all RWU faculty, administrators, staff and students. The Qualtrics survey research tool allows users to conduct research and gather information in support of the university's educational mission and organizational goals.

Getting Started

Learn how to get started using Qualtrics:

Research Success Kit

Learn the principles of survey design and how to administer a survey effectively:

Tips and Best Practices for a Successful Survey

A focus on quality data before, during and after a project’s data collection period has many benefits.  The final dataset will be more complete and of a higher quality.  Data collection will be more efficient.  Issues can be caught and resolved quickly.  

  • Define the purpose of the survey. Prioritize a clear set of questions or issues you need the survey data to answer. 
  • Include a descriptive/introduction text at the beginning of the survey restating the purpose of the survey.
  • When permissible, use back/next buttons to allow participants to return to the previous question.  This can be found under Survey Options.
  • Whenever possible make the questions mobile-friendly.  The mobile-friendly box should be checked in the editing box for each question. Matrix and open response questions are not as mobile friendly, but can still be used.  When you preview a survey check the mobile preview to the right of the screen as well.
  • Make participants aware of the end of the survey with either a statement or submit button.
  • Decide which variables are crucial to the analysis and must have values for the responses to be complete.
  • All variables should be consistent, for example dates should all be entered in the same format (mm/dd/yyyy).  
  • There should be proper skip patterns and parameters set for certain variables, which will be flagged by the data manager for the data entry programmer.
  • Try to limit open ended questions and text entry fields.
  • Review and test electronic surveys through multiple scenarios, especially if skip patterns are used.  
  • Determine if any variables need to be scored within the database, for example if the participant needs to be 18 years old in order to be eligible, should the database calculate the age from DOB (if that’s how age is collected).
  • Pull a report or export the survey preview data to verify you are getting the information you need in the format you need.
  • Know your audience and vary the survey language and question format to your target population.  Remember to keep language neutral to avoid introducing bias into your results.
  • Consider an incentive appropriate to your population to increase response rates.
  • If you have questions about any of the above, please contact the office Institutional Research.

To log in to our Qualtrics Survey Software subscription:

Qualtrics at RWU

  • User Name: Type in your RWU email address
  • Password:   Type in your Password (same as Bridges, Portal, Roger Central)
  • If you are prompted with the question:  Do you have a Qualtrics account (or something similar)? Click on “No”.

As soon as you log in you have access to the full suite of software to create a survey.