Survey data processing and delivery

From paper responses to an analysis-ready Excel or CSV file, with agreed column names and linked PDF images for scanned forms.

Excel and CSV survey data

We supply Excel, or CSV if you prefer, with one row per form. Closed responses are coded values and open-ended responses are keyed text alongside them. Column names and values are agreed with you before delivery, so the file can go into your analysis without renaming. Where forms carry respondent IDs, those IDs link each row back to your supplied participant or sample records, regardless of the distribution and return method. We deliver your files through our secure Australian-hosted file transfer service or your organisation’s nominated secure service.

PDF images linked to each record

For scanned projects, you receive a full-page PDF of every returned form, one file per form, linked from its row in the data file. If a value needs checking, the original page is one click away. For manually keyed projects, images can be supplied by agreement at additional cost.

Fieldwork return reporting

We agree daily or weekly fieldwork reporting around your distribution and return arrangements. Counts reflect forms received by CDS, individually or in bulk, and any return information supplied by your team. Completed, undeliverable and outstanding counts are reported where the available records support them; responses still held by your organisation or participating sites are not automatically included.

Any breakdown by wave, site or area is yours to do. On request, as an extra, we supply respondent IDs behind the counts so you can cut them however your sample is structured. IDs are captured at scanning and can run some weeks behind receipt counts. Respondent-level reports and targeted reminder exclusions depend on the response information available at the agreed processing stage.

Our reporting covers fieldwork returns; research analysis and interpretation remain with your team. See distribution, returns and reminders for the available arrangements.

Paper data for mixed-mode surveys

You run the online survey; we run the paper. The paper data is delivered in a file you merge with your online responses, with column names agreed to match.

Retention and disposal

Completed forms are held for three months, or longer by agreement. After that they are securely shredded, or returned to you. The electronic data and images are held for the same period after delivery, then deleted.