Create a Web-Based Survey the Easy Way With Google Forms
Creating Surveys with Google Forms
Numerous platforms exist for developing online surveys. However, a Google account and Google Docs provide everything necessary to begin.
Google Forms allows for the straightforward creation of surveys, with the capability of automatically directing responses to a Google Sheet for analysis.
Advantages of Using Google Forms
A key benefit of utilizing Google Forms is its lack of response limitations. Unlike many competing online survey tools, there’s no artificial cap on the data you can collect.
Google’s approach differs from services that attempt to encourage upgrades to premium, paid survey packages. They don't employ such upselling tactics.
Google Forms offers a free and scalable solution for data collection.
- No response limits are imposed.
- Integration with Google Sheets is seamless.
- It requires only a Google account to use.
This makes it an ideal choice for individuals and organizations seeking a cost-effective and unrestricted survey solution.
Designing a Survey with Google Forms
Initiating the process requires accessing your Google Drive account. Begin by clicking the "New" button, navigating to "More," and then selecting "Google Forms." Alternatively, you can directly access Google Forms via its webpage and click the "Create a free form" link.
The creation of a survey, or form, is a straightforward procedure. Individuals familiar with Google Docs will find the interface intuitive and easily navigable.
Form Creation Basics
By default, Google Forms generates a basic form containing a single question. You can immediately input a title for the form itself, along with the initial question and its corresponding answer options.
To expand your survey, utilize the "Add item" button to incorporate additional questions. Respondents can be presented with options to select a single answer, choose multiple answers from a list, or provide text-based responses in either short or long-form text boxes.
The "Add Item" button also provides access to formatting tools. These allow you to structure your survey into distinct sections, divide it across multiple pages, or enrich it with visual elements like images and videos.
Advanced Features and Customization
Despite its user-friendly appearance, Google Forms offers a range of powerful features. For instance, you can direct respondents to different question sets based on their previous answers.
Furthermore, the order of questions can be randomized. Google Apps users benefit from the automatic collection of respondent email addresses within their organization’s domain.
You also have control over the confirmation page displayed after submission, and can choose whether to share a summary of responses with those who have completed the survey.
Collaboration and Real-Time Editing
Similar to other Google Docs files, surveys can be collaboratively edited. You can invite others to work on the survey with you, enabling real-time co-authoring.
This facilitates a streamlined workflow and ensures that multiple perspectives contribute to the final survey design.
The tool’s flexibility makes it suitable for a wide variety of data collection needs.
Survey Preview Functionality
To examine your survey's appearance and functionality, select the "View live form" button located at the document's upper section. This form is hosted directly on Google’s servers, functioning similarly to shared Google Docs files, but with interactive capabilities.
It's important to note that the security warning – "Never submit passwords through Google Forms" – is a permanent fixture. This message is intentionally displayed to protect users from phishing attempts and deceptive login screens.
Should the standard white theme appear uninspired, the "Change theme" button allows for customization. Selecting a new theme and then revisiting the live form preview will demonstrate the updated visual style.
Distributing Your Survey
Having created your survey, the next step involves making it accessible to respondents. Initiate the distribution process by clicking the "Send Form" button, located in the upper-right corner of the screen. This action will generate a unique URL for your survey.
This URL serves as a publicly accessible address. Individuals accessing this link will be able to complete your survey.
Sharing Options
The generated link offers versatile distribution methods. You can disseminate it through email correspondence, various social media platforms, or direct messaging services like SMS.
- Consider embedding the link on your website.
- Utilize any other preferred communication channel.
Flexibility in sharing ensures broad reach and maximizes participation in your survey.
Reviewing Form Responses
A concise overview of all collected responses can be accessed by selecting View > Summary of Responses during form editing. This feature presents data visually through charts, graphs, and lists, offering a quick understanding of the survey results.
For most users designing straightforward surveys, this summary view should prove sufficiently informative.
Data Export to Spreadsheets
Alternatively, responses can be exported to a spreadsheet for more in-depth analysis. Within the form editor, navigate to Responses > Choose response destination to initiate this process.
- You have the option to create a brand new spreadsheet.
- Or, you can add a new sheet to an existing spreadsheet file.
Submissions made through the form will be automatically populated into the designated spreadsheet. Linking a form to a spreadsheet ensures that all past responses are also transferred, preventing data loss.
The spreadsheet serves as a comprehensive record of all responses. Furthermore, standard spreadsheet functionalities can be utilized for data manipulation and analysis.
In conclusion, while numerous survey tools are available, Google Forms provides a streamlined and accessible solution. It is characterized by its simplicity and ease of use.
Google Forms does not impose restrictions on the number of questions or responses, making it a versatile option. The integration with Google Docs spreadsheets allows for immediate data analysis and reporting.