The SCHUTTE SCALE EVO is an electronic qualitative survey and assessment device that can be used for a wide range of data capturing, including surveys, attitudinal assessments, multiple choice tests and exams, census data and illiterate respondent assessments. Its PC or server-based software, which supports the uploading and downloading of questions for any type of assessment or survey, enable it to provide a powerful platform for all survey requirements – from customer surveys in a supermarket to remote assessments in the Sahara. It is based on the original Schutte Scale which is recognised by academics and research organisations as the most effective device for surveys across a wide range of respondents, including illiterate people and children.

The unit is suitable for use in harsh environments and remote locations, being robust and completely mobile. It is able to operate as a self-powered unit which can capture a number of different surveys – where access to technology is not available – before needing to reconnect to a computer to download data. It has also been designed to suit interactive learning during assessments, where answers to questions guide the device and provide respondents with unique questions and, in some cases, feedback on responses, for example after a sexual behaviour survey to feedback to the respondent their level of risk in contracting an STD or HIV.

The updated device is custom-built for surveys, catering for both interview- or questionnaire-based ones and for delivering questions in audio or text format, or in a combination of these. Questions are stored on a memory card and can be communicated to respondents through an audio stream via speaker or audio headset, enabling respondents to listen to questions in privacy and then to provide answers using mainly one simple tool on the device. The SCHUTTE SCALE EVO supports a wide range of survey options and its combination of electronic and graded scales delivers a high level of response integrity in attitudinal surveys. Its suitability for use in illiterate, teen and pre-teen research environments make this protection of attitudinal integrity particularly significant. Data can be shared with standard statistical data systems.

The SCHUTTE SCALE EVO is uniquely suited as a survey methodology device in the field of Social Science to assist researchers in surveying and capturing data in remote, under-served locations where literacy and education levels may be low.

Design Team: Byron Qually, Roelf Mulder and Richard Perez

Design and Manufacture: Cape Town, South Africa

Launch Date: 2008