Educational Effectiveness and Institutional Research

Flashlight Software

Flashlight is a web-based system developed by The TLT Group and is hosted on servers at the Washington State University.  Custom designed surveys can be created using Flashlight.  Data is collected and Flashlight provides real-time viewing of results so survey authors can track responses to each question as often as they wish. One of three levels of security may be chosen to ensure the security of the survey site and anonymity and confidentiality of participants. 

Flashlight Online is normally available only through an institutional site license and only to institutions with site licenses for Flashlight tools.  California Lutheran University has a license.  More information is available at http://ww2.callutheran.edu/iss/tools/flash.php. 

Text Analysis Software

Qualrus is a qualitative analysis computer program available at CLU.  The program supports researchers who are able to mark segments of text, pictures, video, or audio files with qualitative codes, then retrieve and analyze those codes to produce summaries and graphical overviews.  Further details are available below:

Qualrus Quick-Start Manual

Qualrus Manual

Qualrus Screenshots

SPSS Software

SPSS is a statistical and data management package used by analysts and researchers (http://www.spss.com/spss/).  SPSS is an acronym for Statistical Package for the Social Science. 

Resources:

• Indiana University (http://www.indiana.edu/~statmath/stat/spss/overview.html) provides an overview of SPSS and information about SPSS program functionality.  

An Introduction to SPSS  prepared by CLU Information System and Services.

SPSS Tips is also prepared by CLU Information System and Services.

Survey Sample Letter

Higher response rates and greater participation are generally noted when certain information is conveyed to participants.  The following is sample information that would be appropriate in a letter to the participant and would preface the survey.  Note the letter components include:

• the purpose of the survey,
• reasons for requesting information, including the value to society,
• addressing confidentiality,
• incentives, and
• thank you. 

California Lutheran University is interested in learning about your experiences thus far. The purpose of this (Insert Name of survey) Survey is for you to provide information about (insert purpose). Your feedback will guide decisions about (insert). Your thoughtful and honest responses are important.

Completion of this survey is voluntary and will take approximately (insert time) minutes of your time. Your responses will be completely confidential and will only be represented in aggregate form. We have ensured the security of the survey site and the confidentiality of your responses.

All participants who complete this survey by Day, Month, Date and include their e-mail address at the end of the survey will be automatically entered into a random drawing for (insert incentive).  The odds of winning depend on the total number of participants.  The winners will be notified via e-mail.

Thank you for your participation. 

If the survey has been administered in the past, including an example of a change that was made as a result of the feedback received may also increase response rate.