Module 3: Choosing a Survey Platform

So now that you’ve opted to conduct an online survey, where should you go to host it? This module will provide some options for online survey platforms, according to the literature and the lived experience of the authors.

Case Study

Sofia is leading a study on healthcare accessibility and needs a survey platform that supports multilingual responses and screen readers for visually impaired participants. She finds a free survey tool that meets most of her needs, but later discovers it has strict data storage policies, requiring all responses to be stored on international servers. She considers the accessibility and data security implications of using this platform, unsure of how to proceed. 

Survey Platform Appraisal

Choosing a survey platform is one of the most important choices you will make as you create your online survey. Not all platforms are created equal; some are user-friendly, while others have a steep learning curve but offer many customization options. The key is to match your research needs with the platform’s features.

Start by asking yourself: Who is your target audience? For example, if your participants will have varying digital literacy levels, a platform with a simple interface is essential. Accessibility is another major factor to consider. Your chosen platform should support many accessibility features, such as (but not limited to) screen readers or keyboard navigation. Furthermore, remain vigilant about what the survey looks like as a respondent, as it may differ from your point of view as the author. Be sure to verify that whatever capabilities you have applicable to your survey actually work as intended.

Data security and privacy compliance are also important. If you’re dealing with sensitive information, look for platforms that offer encryption and comply with local and/or international privacy regulations (for example, PIPEDA). Additionally, consider costs. While some platforms offer free basic versions, others require subscriptions for advanced features.

Common Options

There are many survey platforms available, each with strengths and weaknesses. The authors have previously used REDCap and Google Forms, and therefore declare their biases in documenting advantages and disadvantages. Additional literature was consulted to supplement information. Let’s take a look at some common online survey options!