Research Now has pioneered a series of parallel tests to determine whether Flash Tools improve data quality by examining how response rates and completion rates are impacted. Further, we seek to understand whether any data differences exist and if so, what are they and how should they be considered as Flash tools are implemented. The presentation will briefly review some of the Flash tools currently being used by online survey firms with the major focus on examining live results from the parallel tests.

Key questions addressed will be: How are response rates impacted when Flash is used? What about completion rates? How does actual data compare between surveys that include Flash programming versus those that do not? Is the data consistent? If not, is there an improvement with surveys containing Flash tools? In what ways is the data improved? How best can researchers address these differences and implement these tools? What about respondents? Does the use of flash improve their experience? Does it take respondents less time to complete a survey or more time? Does it matter? Are they more satisfied with the experience, such that they say so and respond better next time they are asked to participate in a survey?

The DMS session is one-third of this panel presentation. Our session will focus on using third-party technologies for validating online respondents. By validating the identities of survey takers, researchers can become more confident in their online research results. DMS will share learning and some data trends from our validation experience.

Learner Outcomes:

• View a more precise, more data driven understanding of how Flash tools impact on results
• Apply specific guidelines on how best to implement Flash tools
• Have a clear indication of how respondents react to these technologies and whether they are more responsive, satisfied, and engaged