Daily Answering Time Slot

SurveyMars offers advanced time control features that allow you to set specific time periods for survey access and define maximum response duration. These controls help maintain data quality by ensuring responses are collected during optimal times and preventing respondents from spending excessive time on surveys.

Feature Access

There are two ways to access the time control settings:

1. From the main survey settings page, navigate to the "Basic Settings" section and locate the time control options.

2. Alternatively, when configuring email distribution settings, you can access these controls in the "Other Settings" dialog.

Time Period Settings

The time control feature includes two main settings:

1. Daily Response Time Periods: Define specific time windows when your survey can be accessed each day.

2. Maximum Response Time: Set a time limit for completing the survey, after which responses are automatically submitted.

Configuring Daily Response Time Periods

1. Enable the "Daily Response Time Periods" option by toggling the switch.

2. Add up to three different time periods per day when respondents can access your survey:

- Click the "Add Time Period" button to add a new time 

- Set the start and end times for each period using the time selectors

- Remove any time period by clicking the delete icon

3. Once you've configured your desired time periods, click "Save" to apply the settings.

Setting Maximum Response Time

1. Enable the "Maximum Response Time" option by toggling the switch.

2. Set the desired maximum time limit for completing the survey.

3. Select the time unit (minutes, hours) from the dropdown menu.

4. Click "Save" to apply the settings.

How the Feature Appears to Respondents

After configuring time control settings, respondents will experience the following effects:

1. Daily Response Time Periods Effect:

- When a respondent attempts to access your survey outside the configured time periods:

- They will see a message indicating the survey is currently unavailable

- The message will display the next available time period when they can access the survey

- When accessing during an allowed time period, respondents can participate in the survey normally

2. Maximum Response Time Effect:

- When a respondent starts the survey with maximum time enabled:

- A countdown timer appears in the survey header

- The timer clearly displays the remaining time to complete the survey

- When time expires:

- The system automatically saves all responses completed up to that point

- A message appears informing the respondent that their responses need to been submitted

Important Notes

 

- You can set up to three different time periods per day. If you try to add more, you'll receive a notification.

- When the Maximum Response Time is enabled, a timer will be displayed to respondents while they complete the survey.

- If a respondent doesn't complete the survey within the maximum time limit, their responses will be automatically submitted with the data they've provided up to that point.

- Time periods are based on the respondent's local time zone, not the survey creator's time zone.

- Outside of the configured time periods, respondents will receive a message indicating when the survey will be available next.

- Automatic time-based submissions might result in incomplete responses, which should be considered when analyzing your data.

- Testing your time settings before distributing your survey is recommended to ensure the user experience meets your expectations.

FAQs

Q: What are the time control features available in SurveyMars?

A: SurveyMars offers two main time control features: Daily Response Time Periods (setting specific time windows for survey access) and Maximum Response Time (setting a time limit for completing the survey).

Q: Where can I access the time control settings?

A: You can access time control settings from the main survey settings page in the "Basic Settings" section, or alternatively when configuring email distribution settings in the "Other Settings" dialog.

Q: How many time periods can I set per day?

A: You can set up to three different time periods per day. If you try to add more, you'll receive a notification.

Q: What happens when respondents try to access the survey outside the configured time periods?

A: Respondents will see a message indicating the survey is currently unavailable, and the message will display the next available time period when they can access the survey.

Q: How does the Maximum Response Time feature work?

A: When Maximum Response Time is enabled, a countdown timer appears in the survey header showing remaining time. If time expires, the system automatically saves all responses completed up to that point and submits them.

Q: What happens if a respondent doesn't complete the survey within the time limit?

A: If a respondent doesn't complete the survey within the maximum time limit, their responses will be automatically submitted with the data they've provided up to that point.

Q: Are time periods based on the survey creator's time zone or the respondent's?

A: Time periods are based on the respondent's local time zone, not the survey creator's time zone. This ensures accurate time control for respondents in different locations.

Q: Can I use both time control features simultaneously?

A: Yes, you can enable both Daily Response Time Periods and Maximum Response Time at the same time to have comprehensive control over when and how long respondents can access your survey.

Q: What should I consider when setting up time restrictions?

A: Consider that automatic time-based submissions might result in incomplete responses, which should be considered when analyzing your data. Testing your time settings before distributing your survey is recommended.

Q: How do I remove or modify existing time periods?

A: You can remove any time period by clicking the delete icon next to it, and you can modify existing periods by editing the start and end times using the time selectors.

Q: Can I set different time periods for different days of the week?

A: Currently, the system allows you to set up to three time periods per day, but these same periods apply to all days. You cannot set different time periods for different days of the week.