How do I compare results across waves, periods or repeated Quests?

You can compare results over time in different ways depending on how your Quest programme is structured.

Use the below decision logic in order to determine that works best for you and your survey needs.

Option 1: Compare periods inside one ongoing Quest

Use this when the same Quest stays open over time and responses are collected continuously or repeatedly.

Typical setup:

•  use time filters to separate periods
• keep question wording and scales consistent
• use respondent data fields consistently
• create filters or comparisons for recurring reporting

This is useful when you want to compare monthly, quarterly or yearly periods inside the same Quest.

Option 2: Compare copied or repeated Quests

Use this when each wave is a separate Quest.

Typical setup:

• copy the previous Quest
• keep the same questions and scale structure
• keep respondent data fields consistent
• compare the different Quests in Results

This is useful when you want each wave to have its own clean dataset but still compare results later.

Option 3: Use batch comparisons or report copies

Use this when you need similar reports for several groups or repeated reporting views.

Before comparing, check:

• Are the same questions used?
• Are the same answer scales used?
• Are respondent data fields named consistently?
• Are translations comparable?
• Are Hidden Identity and report thresholds set consistently?
• Were any questions changed between waves?
  

If questions, scales or respondent data fields changed, the comparison may still be technically possible, but interpretation can become less reliable.

Related articles:

• How to use Filters
• How to use Cross-Tabulation
• How to create a new Value Filter
• How to create a new Time Filter
• How batch to copy a report with comparisons
• How to create a Batch comparison
• How do I compare different Quests
• How to use Add Series
• How to use Series