This article provides an overview of the coding options available for different assessments and how to preload them.
Overview
Coding analysis, which encompasses Unit level, Population, Course, and Chapter, is accessible for most assessments. By ordering coding, you can gain additional insights for the specific populations you define within the system, facilitating meaningful comparisons across various groups.
To access this analysis, it is essential to establish your coding definitions prior to distributing the survey. You can input these definitions through the Manage Survey tab. At the start of the survey, participants will have the option to select their answers from a drop-down menu, or you can choose to preload this information into your participant list. For detailed guidance on preloading, please refer to the Pre-loading Instructions provided at the end of this article.
For information on how to enter Coding, please see the help article Enter Benchworks Coding (Unit level, Population, Course, Chapter).
Preloading Coding Instructions
To reduce the likelihood of human error during the coding selection process, you can take advantage of the preloading feature for any of the coding categories mentioned earlier. This proactive approach allows you to integrate the coding information directly into the participant list, promoting both accuracy and efficiency in data collection.
To upload preloaded coding, you need to include a separate column in the participant list for each coding level you intend to preload. Ensure that the numeric codes corresponding to the defined coding are placed in the same row as each participant's name, under the correct column headings. For instance, a standard participant list typically includes three columns for the participant's first name (fname), last name (lname), and email. The additional columns should represent the coding categories you plan to upload alongside your participant list. You can find the defined numeric values when you define your coding or after you define it in the Survey Outline.
When preloading coding into your participant list, it is crucial to include the correct column headers. Your spreadsheet should be organized in the following order: first name (fname), last name (lname), email, and then the coding columns (such as U1, U2, U3, and population). This structure ensures that the coding information is accurately matched to each participant.
To preload, use the following terms as column headers in your Excel file:
- Population code = population
- Resident/Student Staff Area code = U1
- Resident/Student Staff Hall code = U2
- Resident Floor code = U3
- Apartment Complex code = U1
- Apartment Building code = U2
- First-Year Seminar Course Section code = U1
- Fraternity/Sorority Chapter code = U1
Population Code Analysis
Population code analysis is a powerful feature that enables you to enhance your assessments by incorporating additional criteria. This functionality allows you to create a categorical question of your choice, which can have up to 20 distinct answer options. By implementing this feature, you gain the ability to derive meaningful insights and analyses regarding specific populations. It is crucial that the answer categories are mutually exclusive, ensuring that each participant can select only one category that best represents their identity. This capability facilitates comparisons of responses across various demographics, such as different locations, academic majors, specialty programs, or any other groupings you establish. At the beginning of the survey, participants will have the opportunity to select the coding that aligns most closely with their identification.
Resident Assessment Unit Level Coding (Area/Hall/Floor)
Resident Assessment unit level coding enables you to analyze and compare survey responses across various levels, such as area, hall, and floor. You have the flexibility to determine how many levels to incorporate based on your specific needs. Prior to distributing the survey, it is crucial to establish the number of levels and the groups within each level. Institutions also have the option to purchase individual staff reports, which provide Coordinators, Resident Directors, and Resident Advisors (RAs) with customized comparative reports detailing their performance across all factors and questions. At the start of the survey, participants can select the coding that most accurately reflects their identity.
Student Staff Assessment Unit Level Coding (Area/Hall)
Student Staff Assessment unit level coding enables you to analyze and compare survey responses across various levels, such as area and hall. You have the flexibility to define how many levels you wish to include based on your specific requirements. It is not necessary to utilize both levels of coding; you can select as few or as many levels as needed. Before you distribute the survey, it is important to decide on the number of levels and the corresponding groups within each level. Additionally, institutions can opt to purchase individual staff reports, which offer Coordinators and Resident Directors tailored comparative insights into their performance across all metrics and questions. At the beginning of the survey, participants will have the chance to select the coding that most accurately reflects their identity.
Apartment Assessment Unit Level (Building/Complex)
Apartment Assessment unit level coding enables you to analyze survey responses at various levels, such as by building or complex. You have the flexibility to decide how many levels to include based on your specific requirements, and you are not obligated to use both levels; you can select as few or as many as you need. Before distributing the survey, it is important to identify the number of levels and the corresponding groups within each level. Furthermore, institutions have the option to purchase customized staff reports, which offer Coordinators, Resident Directors, and Resident Advisors (RAs) detailed comparative insights into their performance across all metrics and questions. At the beginning of the survey, participants can select the coding that best reflects their identity.
First-Year Seminar Assessment Unit Level Coding (Course Section)
First-Year Seminar course section coding enables you to analyze data based on specific course sections or course names, allowing for a more granular understanding of your findings within each section. Prior to distributing the survey, it is essential to identify the number of course sections and define them appropriately. Institutions also have the option to obtain tailored course section reports for individual course instructors, which provide insights into the performance of coordinators, directors, and faculty across all metrics and questions. At the beginning of the survey, participants will have the chance to select the coding that most accurately reflects their identification.
Fraternity/Sorority Assessment Unit Level Coding (Chapter)
Fraternity and Sorority assessment chapter coding enables you to analyze survey results by individual chapters. Prior to survey distribution, it is essential to establish the number of chapters and define their corresponding codes. Additionally, you have the option to acquire customized chapter reports for each individual chapter, which provide an in-depth comparison of their performance across all metrics and questions. At the start of the survey, participants will have the opportunity to select the coding that most accurately reflects their chapter affiliation.