Unlocking the Power of Quantitative Surveys in K-12 Education
Quantitative Surveys
If well designed, even the simplest poll or survey can be packed with rich analysis to deliver insights against goals, but a poorly designed survey—no matter the length—will invariably create more questions than answers.
MMS does more than just design and program a survey; we start with a consultative process to understand the audience, the goals, and the desired insights. We work collaboratively with clients to create a survey concept and see it through to design, fielding, and custom analysis. In short, we do all the heavy lifting. Our reports provide both key findings for executive-level presentations and more granular, deeper dives into segments of the data.
MMS also specializes in sequencing quantitative and qualitative research so that surveys can either be informed by the research proceeding it or do the reverse and inform the research to follow, thereby creating a richer and more robust set of insights. It takes patience and it takes expertise to unleash the power of complex research engagements and MMS has plenty of both.
When is a Survey the Best Fit?
- To take hypothesis from opinion to data-driven insights.
- To explore a range of topics, both high-level and very specific, from a targeted audience.
- For complex questions that specific audiences are suited to answer.
- For product, marketplace, and competitor insights.
- Where advanced segmentation is needed to go beyond the surface in analysis.
- For sensitive topics where anonymity is desired.
- When you have respondents with scarce time and who need flexibility.
Focusing a Survey on Specific Needs
A survey can be focused and simple and still yield powerful results. It can also be skillfully complex and combine any number of topics and goals for even deeper insights. Some examples of targeted survey topics include:
- Competitive landscape and customer brand perceptions
- Marketing messaging development and testing
- Sales insights on the market and customers
- Personas for the entire ecosystem including decision-makers and end users
- New product development
- Market trends and insights
Surveys as Part of a Larger Research Effort
Surveys work great as a standalone research effort, but often are even more impactful as part of a combination of initiatives, such as:
- After a market scan, to turn qualitative findings into firmer data-backed insights.
- After one-on-one interviews or traditional focus groups to validate hypotheses with segmented data.
- Before qualitative work, to gather quantitative research findings that interviewees can react to.
- When developing thought leadership, white papers, or market scans.
Examples of MMS Client Survey Work
Here are just a few examples of topics where MMS utilized surveys to develop deep quantitative insights for our clients:
- Brand awareness and perception measurement and tracking.
- The Science of Reading supplemental materials—opportunities and pain points.
- Social Emotional Learning (SEL) market opportunities and expectations.
- Youth insights around nutrition, healthy eating, and physical fitness.
- Program impact and success story measurement.
Reach out to MMS today to find out more about how we can design a survey for your research needs.