Method and apparatus for automating the conduct of surveys over a network system

Abstract

A method and apparatus for automating surveys over a network system causes an interface to be displayed to a particular client of the network system. This interface can be used by the particular client to define a survey. In response to the client interacting with the interface, a sequence of steps is automatically performed. The sequence of steps includes generating a survey based on information received over the network system from the particular client interacting with the interface; fielding the survey to a group of target users on the network system; gathering results of from network users participating in the survey; and providing the particular client, over said network system, with data that reflects the results of the survey.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for assigning a survey to a respondent, the method comprising the steps of: 
 an automated survey mechanism generating a set of one or more screening questions;    receiving input data at the automated survey mechanism in response to said respondent answering said set of one or more screening questions; and    the automated survey mechanism selecting a particular survey from a plurality of surveys to present to said respondent based on how said respondent answered said set of one or more screening questions.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of: 
 receiving a request to participate in a survey; and    generating said set of one or more screening questions in response to receiving said request.    
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of generating a set of one or more screening questions comprises the step of generating said set of one or more screening questions based on target participation criteria that is associated with one or more active surveys.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the steps the automated survey mechanism sending the set of one or more screening questions to the respondent over a network, wherein the step of receiving input data includes receiving input data over the network.  
     
     
         5 . A computer-readable medium carrying one or more sequences of instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to perform the method recited in  claim 1 .  
     
     
         6 . A computer-readable medium carrying one or more sequences of instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to perform the method recited in  claim 2 .  
     
     
         7 . A computer-readable medium carrying one or more sequences of instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to perform the method recited in  claim 3 .  
     
     
         8 . A computer-readable medium carrying one or more sequences of instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to perform the method recited in  claim 4.