Session 1 Online Research Tools

1. Online Research Tools
The Digital Community
Programme
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2. Programme for this morning
• Session 1
– Online Research & Useful tools
• Session 2
– Email lists , Ezines, Blogs and Forums
In action – Case Study
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3. Session 1
Online Research Tools & Surveys
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4. Online research has revolutionised research,
providing both opportunities and challenges to
researchers and users of research .....
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View, California, 94041, USA.

5. Opportunities of online research
• large numbers of respondents can be researched at one
time
• international boundaries no longer need to be an
obstacle to research
• it can be an inexpensive way to conduct large research
projects
• pre-screened panels easily accessible
• it allows for a very rapid turnaround – research can be
undertaken and results received within a few days or
even hours!
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Creative Commons, 444 Castro Street, Suite 900, Mountain
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6. Challenges of online research
• DIY surveys can compromise objectivity of questioning
and impartial interpretation
• the internet is a limited medium from which to draw a
truly representative sample, it can only target internet
users who are prepared to answer online questionnaires
• due to its rapid evolution and the huge growth potential
of the online research market, there is still limited
guidance governing the practise of internet research.

7. Market research online
Identify information required
Choose type of research
– has it already been researched?
Develop an action plan -
who, when, are they any associated costs?
Conduct the research
Analyse/use the research
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8. Primary research tools
 Google Analytics tool – track users on your site which areas
are proving popular
 Use of voting buttons on Social Media and Web Pages
 Comments on posts response to updates
 Integration of website with social media sites
 Surveys
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Creative Commons, 444 Castro Street, Suite 900, Mountain
View, California, 94041, USA.

9. Primary Research Tools
• Google Analytics
– Track visitor behaviour
– What pages are performing
– What aspects of your organisation are relevant?
• Voting Buttons
– Web
– Social Media Sites
• To answer questions or to lend support to
campaign/events
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Creative Commons, 444 Castro Street, Suite 900, Mountain
View, California, 94041, USA.

10. Primary Research tools
Surveys - www.surveymonkey.com
– Integrates with Facebook
– Simple
– Free for up to 10 questions
www.zoomerang.com
– Free for up to 12 Questions / 100 Responses
– Real-time Results Online
– Create polls & publish to social media sites
Both have templates that can be used as a starting point..
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ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit
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Creative Commons, 444 Castro Street, Suite 900, Mountain
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11. Examples
• http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?PREVIEW_MODE=DO
_NOT_USE_THIS_LINK_FOR_COLLECTION&sm=e6cNnlk8Rf76
9Asb3X1ntMmPrmzgdYj1Xc3fv%2f%2f67q0%3d
• http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?PREVIEW_MODE=DO
_NOT_USE_THIS_LINK_FOR_COLLECTION&sm=1%2bZwOfURS
%2f9sQU6pnZC3mRbJk5mu2n1VpX0%2f6t%2fbQMM%3d
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-
ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit
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Creative Commons, 444 Castro Street, Suite 900, Mountain
View, California, 94041, USA.

12. Survey tips
• Do the questions asked provide the information you need?
• Start with easy questions such as demographics
• Keep questions simple – do they make sense?
• Keep related questions together
• Don’t ask a question with a question!
• Use an appropriate mix of question types for example Open
or closed questions.
• Keep it short!
• Test it! If needed change it..
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Creative Commons, 444 Castro Street, Suite 900, Mountain
View, California, 94041, USA.

13. Secondary Research
• Social Media Sites
– Follow thought leaders
– Subscribe to blogposts
– Utilise your staff
• News sites
Managing information – RSS feeds
Information specific to your specialist areas i.e.
- Youth
- Unemployment
- Literacy
- Childcare costs
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14. Secondary Research
• Published research conducted by third parties
– Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency – will publish reports
on a quarterly basis
– Northern Ireland Assembly
– Consultation briefings
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Creative Commons, 444 Castro Street, Suite 900, Mountain
View, California, 94041, USA.

15. Useful Sites
– www.nisra.gov.uk
– www.belfastcity.gov.uk
– http://www.number10.gov.uk/take-part/public-
engagement/petitions/
– http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/io/Statutory.htm
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ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit
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Creative Commons, 444 Castro Street, Suite 900, Mountain
View, California, 94041, USA.