Qualtrics enables you to:

• Embed data
• Create samples and compile the results of several surveys
• Associate respondents with their responses

Although panels may initially seem foreign to users, it is helpful to view a panel as an address book. Panels are created in a spreadsheet and are then imported into Qualtrics. They need to adhere to a specific format, which are shown when you go select Import/Update Panel Members from the Panel Members screen.  You can add additional columns other than a name and an email address which are relevant to your study, such as age, location or gender.

Embed Data: Within Qualtrics, we refer to these additional columns as embedded data.  Embedded data can be piped into email messages, survey questions and your results. For more information about setting up a panel, I encourage you to check out our Help and Tutorials.  Our support team is also available by phone or email.

Create Samples: One helpful panel function is the ability to create samples. Qualtrics offers the ability to randomly generate a group of individuals from a panel. You can set up a condition which determines what type of individuals should be part of the panel. For instance, perhaps you want to send a survey out to only those students who were part of a university's humanities department. If student information is stored in the panel as embedded data, you can set up a panel sample of humanities students. You can also generate a sample based on those who haven't taken a survey before, after, or on a certain date. These options are available in the Panel tab and then the Sample Management icon.

Once you have created your sample you can distribute a survey to the sample in the Distribute Survey tab then the Send Survey icon.  Under the Who to send to section, select Panel Sample and then locate your sample within the appropriate library.

Manage Respondents and Responses: Perhaps you want to create panel members who have already completed a survey.  Or you may want to update existing panel members with data they provided in a survey. We offer the ability to import or update panel members from a survey. Within the Panel tab, select the panel you are working with. Notice on the subsequent page the blue text in the upper right corner: Import/Update Panel Members.  If you opt to Import/Update from a survey you are then directed to dictate which survey and answers to questions within that survey you'd like to capture.