Five features researchers should look out for in SMS survey services
Based on our own experience using SMS surveys for research projects, we identify five must-haves that researchers should look out for in SMS survey services.
SMS-based surveys offer various advantages as compared to traditional face-to-face field surveys. Not only do SMS surveys have an edge in price-efficiency but SMS surveys also offer the ability to collect high frequency data, good accessibility in areas without internet access and flexible implementation times. These benefits make SMS surveys a great option for researchers. Based on our own experience using SMS surveys for research projects, we identify five must-haves that researchers should look out for in SMS survey services.
1) Incentives for Respondents
Optimizing response rates to SMS surveys are particularly important in research settings. Even simple tweaks in SMS surveys designs can result in substantial increases in response rates. An SMS survey service should be able to provide automated airtime (pre-paid top-up) incentives to respondents who complete SMS surveys. Furthermore, in many low-resource settings it is critical that participants can respond to SMS surveys for free.
2) Data quality
SMS survey services for researchers need to meet high standard in data quality. Features to conduct consistency and data quality checks in SMS surveys are hence key. For example, SMS surveys should allow to set valid answer ranges and to introduce checks based on previous survey responses. When participants struggle with providing an answer, customized help messages can assist them.
3) Advanced Logics
Researchers often require advanced survey logics. SMS survey services for researchers should be flexible to meet demanding requirements and provide advanced survey logics such as branching, piping, or randomization.
4) Flexibility and Customization
Researchers often need a high degree of customization when using SMS-based surveys. For example, a specific research project may require high frequency surveys released at regular time intervals. Furthermore, SMS surveys may need to be individualized for SMS survey participants allocated to different survey tracks.
5) Reliable SMS Survey Partners
Researchers should work with reliable partners who understand that quality is key in demanding research environments. Choosing a full-service partner such as Impaxio who provides SMS survey expertise combined with research experience can help.
To meet the high standards of SMS survey services for researchers, we founded Impaxio. Impaxio resulted from the desire of ETH Zurich and University of Zurich researchers Dr. Michael Brander and Dr. Matthias Huss to make high quality SMS surveys accessible to other researchers and evaluation professionals.