Resources for Researchers
Software Online Data Collection
SoSciSurvey: Scientific surveys are free at SoSciSurvey. You can create an account and create your own survey.
Unipark: Some chairs have their own Unipark licenses. For information please contact the Research Methodology Training Centre.
Software Registration Paper Survey
To capture data from questionnaires automatically only makes sense if you have many questionnaires with many questions.
Otherwise, manual data capturing makes more sense. To reduce errors, it is advisable to work with an input mask. For example, you can create a survey at SoSciSurvey (see notes above) and use the online survey as a mask. Alternatively, you can also use a database program (Access) or, if you have the appropriate programming knowledge, create a mask yourself.
If you want to capture questionnaires automatically, you must be aware of the appropriate formatting of the questionnaires in advance. A free program for collecting paper questionnaires would be queXML. But that only makes sense if you are familiar with Linux and server installation. The price of programs is at least in a four-digit range.
Software for Quantitative Data Evaluation
R and RStudio: R and the user interface RStudio are mainly used in teaching at the ZU. Both programs are free of charge. In particular, if you work with large data sets or use computationally intensive procedures, you may want to use the R-server of the university. For information please contact the Research Methodology Training Centre.
SPSS can be obtained via the IT Team. For information please activate a ticket in the ticket system via the zu|niverse serviceportal of the ZU.
Stata is used at the ZU only at a few chairs and is not used in teaching. Information on how to order can be obtained from the Research Methodology Training Centre.
Content analysis Software
MAXQDA is the predominantly used content analysis program for teaching at the ZU. Information on how to order can be obtained from the Research Methodology Training Centre.
Atlas.ti is an alternative content analysis program that is not used for teaching at the ZU. Information on how to order can be obtained from the Research Methodology Training Centre.
Transcription Software
You can also transcribe with MAXQDA. An alternative free program is EASYTRANSCRIPT. The most common program with largest range of functions is f4.
Information on how to order can be obtained from the Research Methodology Training Centre. For transcriptions it is often helpful to work with a pedal (see below equipment).
Equipment
Recording Device / Voice Recorder: Recording with smartphones usually works very well, but there are sometimes problems with smartphones having low battery levels, especially on days of multiple interviews, or that the recording will be interrupted by incoming phone calls. For these and some other reasons, the classic voice recorder is not yet out of fashion.
Pedal: Transliterating is much easier if you can stop the record with a pedal.
Data Protection
When you collect data yourself, you need to think about data privacy protection and you need to explain the respondents what you are doing with the data and how you are processing it.
Information on the subject of data protection when collecting qualitative data can be found in the links provided in the right-hand column.
You will also find help with the collection of standardized data in the right-hand column. (see „Muster zur Einhaltung von Datenschutz bei Online-Umfragen herunterladen“ translated "Download privacy compliance sample for online surveys").
Methods Lab
In the methods lab at the ZF Campus SPSS and MAXQDA are installed. There is access to the R and Python servers. For more information on how to use it, please contact the Research Methodology Training Centre.
Media Lab
The Media Laboratory has iMacs and a presentation screen with AppleTV.
Photoshop is available as software and a VR space with Valve Index incl. full body measurement by 6x Vive Tracker 3.0. There is a university-owned Steam account with VR software, portable Oculus Quest 2 incl. accessories, OBS and XSOverlay for video recordings in VR without having to put off the headset.
For further information, please contact the Chair of Media & Communication Science (Prof. Dr. Udo Göttlich, questions regarding VR-Space Felix Krell).
Research Laboratory
EEG Laboratory: The laboratory offers the possibility of collecting EEG data (BIOSEMI Active Two, 64 and 128 channels, active electrodes). The data is analysed using standard software (e.g. BESA, EEGLAB/Matlab, MNE-Python).
Data collection and data analysis require thorough familiarisation.
Hugo Eckener Laboratory (HEL): The laboratory offers the possibility of collecting eye-tracking data. Three eye-tracking systems are available for this purpose: (1) Stationary: SMI iView X Hi-Speed 240 Hz, (2) Stationary: Tobii Pro Fusion, 250 Hz, (3) Mobile: SMI Eye Tracking Glasses, 60 Hz.
It is also possible to collect physiological data (respiration, pulse, electrodermal activity EDA, BIOPAC, functional near-infrared spectroscopy, fNIRS, NIRx). Data collection and data analysis require thorough familiarisation.
Behavioral Research Laboratory (BRL): A total of 11 Windows PCs (Win 11) are available in the laboratory for behavioral studies. The individual workstations are separated by privacy screens. The PCs are equipped with standard software (z-Tree, oTree, NBS Presentation, PsychoPy etc.). The PCs can also be used for administering online questionnaires.
In addition, 5 laptops (Lenovo Thinkpad) are available for mobile data collection in the field.
All laboratories are located in the laboratory wing in the basement of the ZF Campus (Fallenbrunnen 3, blue). As a result, they are particularly well insulated from noise. All rooms are equipped with a ventilation system (including heat recovery).
For further information on how to use the laboratories, please contact the Chair of Social & Economic Psychology (Prof. Dr. Anja Achtzigerr).