I recently used the Form tool in Google Docs to conduct a survey. On balance it works great.
- Easy to build and customize.
- Can make some fields required.
- Can embed the survey in a webpage or the body of an email.
- Results are stored in a back-end, downloadable spreadsheet.
- Results are also delivered graphically.
- Can customize the response page.
- Can allow survey-takers to see the results after completing the survey.
- It's free and you don't need to agree to terms (read Survey Monkey).
- Cannot create a paginated form for longer surveys.
- Cannot customize questions based on previous responses.
- Results are in the Google space. Who owns them?
- A bug? I tested the form in advance of sending it out then cleared those rows from the back-end spreadsheet. However my test responses are still factored in the results displayed graphically.
- Would not use it to gather private or sensitive data or if I needed responders to identify themselves.
The Form tool in Google Docs is a quick and easy way to send out surveys. It's perfect for internal polling of non-sensitive data like gathering anonymous feedback on a training session or organizing a group potluck.