How to Ensure a Survey Runs on the Correct Data Collection App Version

Overview

SurveyToGo is updated regularly with new features and functionality. To use newer functionality in a survey, both SurveyToGo Studio and the data collection app must support it.

SurveyToGo Studio must be updated so the feature can be scripted or configured in the survey. The Android or PC Survey app must also be updated so the feature is recognized when interviews are conducted on devices.

Why Version Compatibility Matters

Before fieldwork begins, it is strongly recommended to test every survey on the same platform that will be used for live data collection, such as the Android app or PC Survey app.

The emulator is mainly useful during survey design and scripting. Final testing should be performed on an actual device or app version that matches the fieldwork environment.

If a survey uses functionality that is not supported by the version installed on a surveyor's device, the survey may not run correctly.

Recommended Practice

After testing the survey successfully on a specific data collection app version, make sure that all surveyor devices are updated to that same version or newer.

To help enforce this, a version-checking function can be added to the survey script. This function checks the app version when the interview starts. If the device is running an older version than the tested minimum version, the script can prevent the interview from starting.

This ensures that interviews are conducted only on devices using a compatible version of the data collection app.

Best Practice

It is recommended to include this version-checking mechanism in every survey script, especially when the survey uses newer SurveyToGo functionality.

The attached sample can be used as a reference for implementing this check in your surveys.