How to Answer Common Online Survey Questions
Completing online paid surveys is a good way of earning some cash, gift cards or Evouchers on the net. If this interests you, it pays to be aware of common questions that regularly crop up - to determine whether you qualify for each particular survey. Furthermore, an understanding as to why they are being asked, as this will assist you in negotiating them successfully. In survey site jargon, “screeners” is the name used to describe these questions, which determine if you are the person the survey is targeting.
The great majority of surveys are conducted for Market Research, which many businesses and service providers conduct in order to improve existing products/services or to launch new ones. They research the market place by testing their ideas, their products, their service, or a current or proposed advertising campaign, on a small sample of the population.
To this end, they commission anOnline Survey Panelwho in turn obtains this sample by inviting their Panel Members to participate by completing an online survey on a particular project. This could be existing or new consumer products or services, motor vehicles, healthcare, current affairs, new movies, DVD releases, etc.
On joining an Online Panel, before you begin receiving survey invitation emails, there are a number of common Profile Survey questions you are asked to answer as part of the joining process. They form the basis of your demographic that enables the Panel to invite you to complete surveys that match your profile. They usually include:
Household - to determine your domestic situation, as having children particularly enhances survey opportunities;
Travel - predominantly to see if you own a car, and if you travel by air regularly, as these are two common survey topics;
Employment - the industry you work in (if you are employed) is important to them, as is whether you have purchasing powers at work - more survey opportunities can come from that;
Financial - the level of household income is a strong demographic feature, both from the "afford to buy" aspect, as well the fact there are many surveys commissioned by Banks;
Technology - there are always surveys on televisions, cell phones, computers, games etc., so knowing what you own is critical to them;
Medical - any medical condition in your household (if you agree to tell them), can lead to a survey from a pharmaceutical company on a certain drug; and
Vehicle - how many and what type. There are always surveys from car manufacturers.
Invariably the information obtained in these profile surveys is not precise enough (unfortunately) for the Panel to determine that you will automatically qualify for every survey they invite you to attempt. Therefore, at the start of each survey there are these “screener” questions designed to ensure you fit the specific profile they are targeting.
Some are common to all surveys, such as City/Country of residence, Gender, Age and Employment status, while others relate more specifically to the topic of the current survey. These could include:
Asking if you have recently completed a survey on a certain topic; and/or
If or any member of your family work in a particular industry.
An affirmative answer to either question may result in you being “screened out” if they are seeking a fresh, unbiased opinion.
Other common screening questions can relate to your shopping habits. For example:
(1) Whether you do at least half the grocery shopping in your household. Reason - The target group is people who make purchasing decisions.
(2) Which Supermarket you shop at regularly. Reason - A certain Supermarket chain has commissioned the survey to obtain their customers’ opinions.
(3) If you have purchased certain electronic appliances in the last 12 months, or intend to in the immediate future. Reason - To obtain your reasons for preferring one brand to others.
There are many other examples, depending on the topic of the survey, but the general theme is the same and it is possible, with experience, to get an idea of the topic and if you are likely to be screened.
The bottom line is be honest -you will be found outif you are not and banned from the Panel. With some of the possibly/probably answers you can enhance your chances, but incorrect yes/no answers or contradictions will be picked up. Being screened can be frustrating but it is an integral part of survey life - some Panels even warn that you will only qualify 50% of the time. Accept it and look forward to your next email invitation.
