Cheap Surveys

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of conducting inexpensive consumer satisfaction surveys using Amazon's Mechanical Turk (MTurk) platform. We will explore how to effectively design, program, analyze, and report on survey results, drawing insights from a case study in New Jersey. This method is particularly useful for researchers and businesses looking to gain customer feedback without incurring high costs.

Step 1: Understanding the Survey Goals

Before diving into survey creation, clarify the objectives of your survey.

• Define what insights you want to gather (e.g., customer satisfaction with heating sources).
• Identify your target audience (e.g., heating oil customers vs. natural gas customers).
• Ensure your goals are measurable to facilitate analysis later.

Step 2: Designing the Survey

The design phase is crucial for obtaining quality data.

• Use simple, clear language in your questions to avoid confusion.
• Consider using a mix of question types:
  • Multiple choice for straightforward answers.
  • Likert scale questions for gauging satisfaction levels.
• Limit the survey length to encourage participation; aim for 5-10 minutes completion time.

Practical Tips

• Pilot test your survey with a small group to identify any issues before wider distribution.
• Avoid leading questions that might bias responses.

Step 3: Setting Up on Mechanical Turk

Now, let's leverage MTurk for your survey distribution.

• Create an account on MTurk if you don’t have one.
• Design your survey using a survey tool (e.g., Google Forms, SurveyMonkey) and obtain a shareable link.
• Create a new HIT (Human Intelligence Task) on MTurk:
  • Title your HIT clearly (e.g., "Consumer Satisfaction Survey").
  • Provide a brief description of the task.
  • Set a fair compensation (consider the time it takes to complete your survey).

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Don’t set compensation too low; this can deter participants and affect data quality.
• Ensure that your survey link works correctly before posting.

Step 4: Collecting and Analyzing Data

Once your survey is live, monitor responses and prepare for analysis.

• Regularly check the MTurk dashboard to track participation rates.
• After collecting enough responses, download the data for analysis.
• Use statistical software or spreadsheet tools to analyze the results:
  • Look for trends in customer satisfaction across different heating sources.

Real-World Application

• Compare satisfaction scores between different customer groups to identify areas for improvement.
• Use visualizations (e.g., graphs) to present findings clearly.

Step 5: Reporting Results

Final step involves compiling your findings into a comprehensive report.

• Summarize key insights with supporting data.
• Highlight any significant trends or patterns.
• If applicable, provide recommendations based on survey results.

Practical Advice

• Use clear visuals in your report for better understanding.
• Share your findings with stakeholders or publish them for broader reach.

Conclusion

Conducting cheap surveys using MTurk can provide valuable insights into customer satisfaction. By carefully designing your survey, utilizing the MTurk platform effectively, and analyzing results thoughtfully, you can make informed decisions that enhance your business strategies. For further assistance with survey design, programming, analysis, and reporting, consider reaching out to professionals like Research Biz, LLC.