Pretest without a dataset
A questionnaire is tested — with real behavior. The data stays out.
Dissertations · master's theses · chair studies
Empirical work that grows with you — from pretest to analysis.
Live analysis — from the pretest to the last answer. Researchers plan their analyses while data is still being collected; students often manage entirely without SPSS — all already included in the student plan.
Free, no time limit, no credit card.
GDPR-compliant · DPA included
Servers in Germany · certified data center
Made in Germany
Trusted by companies, universities and public institutions
An observation · no drama
Empirical data is there — but not methodologically robust.
50 pretest answers. 30 adjustments to the questionnaire.
A dataset that's already contaminated before the real collection begins.
A decision: delete the data — or keep it. Both are methodologically problematic.
At the same time: one tool fits methodologically — but is too expensive for students. Or it's affordable — but not robust enough for a thesis.
Then the empirical data is there — but not methodologically robust.
What QUESTIONSTAR actually gives you
Four methodology mechanics, not a feature list.
Access for students
A tool you can afford — without giving up features.
Statistics without mandatory tools
Regressions, correlations, t-tests and crosstabs — available directly. Plus nine chart types, summary tables and reports as Word, Excel or PDF. For many studies that's enough — SPSS or R are only needed for special cases.
Respondents from the panel
Integration with all common panel providers. You define screeners and quotas in the survey — the provider controls the inflow, the data lands directly in QUESTIONSTAR.
Pretests · without a dataset
Pretest without a dataset.
A questionnaire is tested — but the answers aren't saved.
The behavior stays real: skip logic works, response times are measurable, the user flow gets tested.
Two ways: pretest mode without saving — or run the test and delete the data afterward. The difference is methodologically decisive.
The actual dataset stays clean. And the analysis begins on that clean foundation, right in the tool.
Pretest mode · data is not savedSkip logic · response times · user flow — all real.
Question 7 of 24
How often do you use public transport?
Path 1 · selected
Pretest mode
Answers are not saved
→ 0 records in the analysis
Path 2
Test & delete data
remove after the test
→ Test records deleted after the click. Clean DB before fieldwork.
Student plan · from €29 / month
Access that's realistic.
The student plan starts at €29 / month. The feature set stays complete.
What's limited: a notice at the end of the survey, one active survey at a time.
For a dissertation or master's thesis, that's enough.
from€29/ month
Feature set
✓All survey features included
✓Statistics in the tool (regression, t-test, crosstab)
✓Panel integration & quotas
✓Raw data export (SPSS / CSV / XLSX)
✓Report export (Word / Excel / PowerPoint / PDF)
✓Survey documentation (Word / PDF)
What’s limited
· A QUESTIONSTAR notice at the end of the survey
Sample size calculator · freely accessible
Before data is collected, the sample is planned.
The sample size calculator is freely accessible. No registration. No data storage.
It's often used before a questionnaire even exists — and before it's clear what the analysis should look like.
It's widely used in the research community.
Input
Margin of errorBy how many percent may the value in the population deviate from the value determined in the sample?
Confidence levelThe probability with which you want to be sure that the sample is representative of the population.
Population sizeThe total number of people whose opinions, attitudes or behaviors you want to capture in your survey.
Proportion of the attribute in the populationFor what percentage of the population does the attribute you're studying apply?
Required sample sizeThis is the minimum number of respondents you need to survey for your survey to be representative.
n = 385
Cochran formula
p = 0.5 (for maximum variability)
Concrete applications
Four research scenarios where it really helps.
Dissertation
Several pretests, several iterations. The final dataset stays untouched by them.
Master's thesis
Limited budget, clear methodology requirements. The plan allows both.
Chair study
Several people involved, one structure. The survey stays stable, even across adjustments.
Study with a panel pool
When your own recruitment isn't enough: panel providers control the inflow according to your quotas and demographics. All common providers are integrated.
Common questions
What you should know upfront.
How does pretest mode work?
The survey runs normally, but answers aren't saved. That keeps the real dataset uncontaminated.
What does the student plan cost?
From €29 / month. With a notice at the end of the survey and one active survey at a time.
Can we use respondents from a panel pool?
Yes, QUESTIONSTAR is compatible with all common panel providers. You define screeners and quotas in the survey. The provider controls the respondent inflow — complete, screenout and quota-full are handled via the corresponding links. Data lands directly in QUESTIONSTAR, quotas fill automatically.
Do we need SPSS or R for the analysis?
For many studies, no. QUESTIONSTAR computes regressions, correlations, t-tests and crosstabs right in the tool. Plus nine chart types, summary tables and reports as Word, Excel or PDF. If you still want to use SPSS, R or Stata: SPSS export is direct, CSV and XLSX too. R and Stata via the API.
Where is the data stored?
In German IONOS data centers. Details on /security.
What about GDPR?
Templates for GDPR-compliant research surveys are available. Data deletion is researcher-mediated on request. We don't have an IRB or ethics certification.
Can we use several languages?
Yes, automatic translation into over 100 languages. Respondents choose their own language.
What is the sample size calculator?
A separate tool for planning the sample size. Freely accessible, no registration, no data storage.
Are surveys anonymous?
Yes, adjustable in detail — from fully anonymous to pseudonymous, depending on the methodological need.
Can we process the data further?
Yes, export and API available. Native integration with Data Studio and Power BI. Plus webhook / Zapier / n8n. And an MCP server for direct access from AI assistants like Claude or ChatGPT — no code.
Ready?
Ready for empirical work without methodological compromises?
You can start right away. No contract, no commitment. Stop whenever you like.
Kostenlos, ohne Zeitlimit und Kreditkarte.