--- url: "https://questionstar.com/use-cases/academic-research/" title: "Academic research — QUESTIONSTAR" description: "Pretests without data contamination, a student plan from €29/month, statistics in the tool, panel integration, and a free sample size calculator." lastmod: "2026-07-08" type: "marketing" --- # 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. - [See templates](/templates#kat-forschung) *Free, no time limit, no credit card.* ## 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. ## Four methodology mechanics, not a feature list. ### Pretest without a dataset A questionnaire is tested — with real behavior. The data stays out. ### 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. ## 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. [Principles of Survey Research — textbook](/blog/survey-research-basics) ## 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. [Academic plans in detail](/pricing?type=academic) ## 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. [To the sample size calculator article](/blog/sample-size-calculator) ## 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. ## 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 for empirical work without methodological compromises? You can start right away. No contract, no commitment. Stop whenever you like. - [See templates](/templates#kat-forschung)