1) Why universities use incentives
Universities rely on accurate and reliable data to move research forward. Whether it’s a psychology experiment, a public health study, or a large-scale sociological project, participation is the foundation of quality. Yet getting people to take part is never easy. Incentives like digital gift cards have become a practical way to encourage engagement, increase response rates, and protect data quality.
2) A turning point: the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way universities approach research. With in-person recruitment suddenly limited, online surveys became the standard. Researchers quickly realized that incentives were no longer optional. Rewards made it possible not only to attract participants remotely but also to keep them engaged through longer and more complex studies. Digital gift cards stood out as the most efficient solution because they are fast to deliver, secure to track, and easy to manage for diverse groups of respondents.
3) What this means for businesses
There is a clear parallel between academic research and business insights. Universities face the same challenges companies do: lower response rates, participant fatigue, and the constant need for trustworthy data. By using rewards, universities solved these issues. Businesses can do the same by following this example, turning surveys into a reliable way to capture customer feedback and market insights.
4) If top U.S. universities reward survey participation, why shouldn’t you?
When institutions like Harvard or Stanford use digital rewards to secure reliable research data, the message is clear: rewarding participation is best practice.
At appyReward, we don’t just support businesses. We also work with universities and research centers on their academic surveys. Our platform makes it simple to distribute digital gift cards in a secure and automated way, helping researchers boost participation and maintain data quality.
The same principle applies to companies. If rewarding respondents works for leading universities, it will work for you too. With appyReward, you can adopt this proven approach and transform every survey into a stronger source of actionable insights.
About appyReward
appyReward is a leading digital reward platform that integrates seamlessly with popular tools like SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, and Jotform and more. We specialize in delivering global rewards, from Amazon gift cards to custom points-based programs, for companies of all sizes.
Ready to get started? Visit appyReward today, and let’s make this holiday season one to remember!
