Project Preparation

Questionnaire Programming
Survey research projects typically start with a prepared questionnaire provided by the client. To help in creating this document, MSInteractive sends each client a “Perception Analyzer Questionnaire Development Guide” that explains the best way to present your questions with the Perception Analyzer software. This guide also includes suggested moderator and/or facilitator instructions for preparing the group to answer PA questions. Once we receive the completed question list, preferably in a word processor format via email or file transfer, one of our staff will convert it into the PA format. Meeting projects can start with a prepared question list or they can be run on an entirely ad-hoc basis since it’s easy to add questions “on the fly” as the session progresses. This is often the preferred method for meetings as it provides the flexibility needed for necessary departures from the set agenda.

Audio/Visual Support
After discussing your project objectives, MSInteractive determines the equipment required for your project and orders it. For example, since the PA can display the questions for the participants on a projection device, most projects use a video monitor because it’s the easiest and most cost effective option. Audio/Visual (AV) equipment for your group will be dependent on a variety of issues, such as the number of participants, type of material displayed, number of observers viewing results, and type/size of facility being used. MSInteractive contacts an AV supplier local to your event site and orders the equipment on your behalf. We also contact the facilities to be used to confirm delivery and technical arrangements. Copies of the AV order and schematic will be faxed to you in advance of the session for approval.

Travel Arrangements
MSInteractive makes the travel arrangements for our on-site technician to fit with your itinerary.

PA System Diagnostics
MSInteractive thoroughly tests the system to be used prior to shipping.

On-Site Set-Up & Data Collection

Set-Up
An MSInteractive technician will arrive on location at least three hours before the start of the session to set-up the PA equipment and to oversee the set-up of the related audio-visual equipment by the AV company technician.

Data Collection
Before the session begins, any last minute changes may be made to refine the questionnaire. During the session, the MSInteractive technician conducts the data collection at the moderator’s direction. Spur-of-the-moment questions or edits during the session may easily be accommodated.

Options During Data Collection

Audience Display
The questions may be shown to the participants using this feature.

Immediate Results
Results from questions are displayed for the moderator in easy-to-read graphical formats that may be viewed by individual participant or group aggregate. Summary screens combine results from related questions. Summary screen options include:

• Live Subsetting
  Results may be subset live as data is collected using any discrete choice question (such as demographic variables like gender or age). Results may also be shown by individual participant.
• Histogram Display
  Scale question results may be displayed with a histogram or frequency distribution of ratings.
• Correct Answer Display
  Often used in team building exercises, correct answers may be displayed on the result screen.
• Show Results to Participants
  Typically used in meetings, the results may be displayed to the group.

Post Data Collection Result Formats

ASCII Data File
Moments after the end of your group, the MSInteractive technician can give you a diskette with the raw data results for each question asked in the project. The file may be easily imported into most data processing applications.

SPSS Portable File
Along with the ASCII file, the technician can provide a fully formatted SPSS data file that includes both question text and variable labels. SPSS portable files work with many other statistical software packages.

Means File
A file can be prepared that displays aggregate (instead of individual) results, to make graphing in spreadsheet or presentation software fast and easy.

Crosstabs or Graphs
The PA software quickly generates graphs or simple crosstab tables from the collected data. The graphs and tables may be printed immediately with an on-site laser printer.

Overlay Tape
One major use for the PA is real-time analysis, through Moment-to-Moment evaluations, of video (such as advertisements, political speeches, and TV pilot tests) or live presentations. The PA software produces a line graph, which displays the audience’s responses, second-by-second, superimposed over the video material. A recording of this can be accomplished on-site with a draft quality product (requires rental of additional equipment) or post-production in our office (additional hourly charges apply).

marquis.mcneil@perceptionanalyzer.com
800.769.0906, select option 2