Frequently Asked Questions about Mobile Data Capture :
Q: What is meant by "Targeted Insight" and how does Mobile Data Capture deliver it ?
A: With Mobile Data Capture, you "zoom in" on the key points or issues that affect your audience's opinions in realtime, so you can respond with new arguments and discussion points, and then present new questions on the fly. Real-time feedback on how opinions change in response to new information is Targeted Insight.
Q: Why would I use Mobile Data Capture when paper based forms are so cheap ?
A: Traditional surveys based on paper forms are very inexpensive. However, if you have 100s of survey users or intercepts, very large or complex survey material, or need immediate access to results data from one or more locations, MDC dramatically outperforms paper-based processes. In addition, if your survey material is changing over the course of the event, or if you have multiple questionaires, MDC handles these situtations really well.
Q: Why use Mobile Data Capture instead of web-based surveys ?
A: Web based surveys are well understood and widely used, especially for "after the fact" or follow up questionaires delivered via email. However, in a focus group or mock trial, providing a PC for every attendee may be cost prohibitive, a distraction from the presentation material, or not portable. Here is where Mobile Data Capture fills the need for automated data collection.
Q: How long does it take to prepare a questionaire ?
A: A short questionaire with 20 multiple choice questions can be ready in an hour or two. More complex material with adaptive questions, branching, etc may take longer. In the case of complex questionaires, we suggest that the client run through the survey at least once to ensure they are completely comfortable with the material and how it works.
Q: How does Mobile Data Capture handle free text entry or open-ended responses ?
A: The Palm Tungsten C has a small keyboard (similar to a Blackberry) that is adequate for capturing short text entries such as an email address. For longer responses, we use a Palm wireless keyboard - and the survey tool can accept free text responses up to 32K (several paragraphs) in length. These free text responses are recorded in the database and available for real-time viewing - so you can respond quickly to feedback from your audience.
Q: What data output formats are available ? How long does it take to generate the results ?
A: The basic output format is a summary spreadsheet with the results for each question summarized according to the client's needs. Preparation of this output data is very fast, in fact, just a minute or two. Results can also be viewed in realtime if desired. A variety of other output formats are available, including tabbed text files, CSV, SQL database, or SPSS. Sometimes post processing or analysis will require extra time. Note that the processing time is essentially the same even for thousands of users, in contrast to paper-based surveys where tabulation of the response forms can take hours or days.
Q: How does the "realtime results display" work ?
A: Results are uplinked from the PDAs and populates an Access database. A Excel query is then created to count item frequencies, multiple choices, and other results with a refresh time of 30 or 60 seconds, and graphed or charted if desired. That output can also be hosted on a web server for viewing in a browser.
Q: What other services can Mobile Data Capture deliver ?
A: Any reference material related to the event or conference can be placed on the PDA along with the questionaires. Menu selections for lunch, email address listings for post-event follow up, or calendar / agenda information are excellent examples of how MDC can enhance your conference or event. Let us know how we can help !