Finding the right participants for user research is often challenging. You need people who match your criteria so your feedback is useful and your product decisions are well-informed. Screener surveys help filter out unqualified respondents, but not all screeners work the same way.
There are two main types of screeners: static and dynamic. Both help you find the right users, but they work differently and fit different research needs. Knowing the difference can help you recruit more efficiently and get better insights.
In this post (The Common Screener: an efficient way to screen for multiple studies, 2023), we’ll explain how static and dynamic screening differ, how each one works, their pros and cons, and how to choose the best method for your next research project.
What Is Static Screening?
Static screening is a linear, one-size-fits-all approach to filtering research participants. In this model, every potential respondent sees the exact same set of questions in the same order. Based on their answers, they are either qualified for the study or disqualified. (The Common Screener: an efficient way to screen for multiple studies, 2023)
Think of it like a fixed path. A person answers Question 1. If their answer is a qualifier, it works like a fixed path. A person answers Question 1. If their answer qualifies, they move to Question 2. If not, the survey ends for them. The logic is simple and does not change based on earlier answers. It and scale are prioritized.
Pros of Static Screening
- Simple to set up: Because the logic is linear, static screeners are quick and easy to create. You don't need complex branching or conditional logic.
- Predictable: You know exactly what questions each participant will see, making the process highly standardized.
- Good for broad criteria: If your target audience is defined by a few simple, non-negotiable criteria (e.g., must be a smartphone owner over 18), a static screener is very effective. (The Common Screener: an efficient way to screen for multiple studies, n.d.)
Cons of Static Screening
- Limited targeting: It's difficult to target niche or complex user proLimited targeting: It can be hard to find users with specific or complex profiles. (7 Biggest Research Recruiting Mistakes and How to Combat Them, 2023) For example, if you need people who use certain software and have a specific job title, a static screener may require many questions to find them.Before finding a few who qualify, especially for niche studies. This can lead to longer recruitment times and higher costs.
- Poor participant experience: Getting disqualified after just a few questions can be frustrating for participants and may lead to less engagement over time. (Müller et al., 2025)
What Is Dynamic Screening?
Dynamic screening is a flexible and smart way to recruit participants. Instead of following a fixed path, it uses existing data and conditional logic to adjust the screening process for each person.
This approach works by pulling from a large database of user profiles that contain hundreds, or even thousands, of data points on each person—from demographics and device ownership to behaviors and psychographics.
When you set up a study, you define your ideal participant criteria. The dynamic screening system then uses this information to:
- Pre-screen: Instantly identify participants from its database who already match many of your required attributes.
- Ask Targeted Questions: If more information is needed, the system will only ask the necessary follow-up questions to confirm eligibility.
This means no two participants necessarily see the same screener results; each participant may see different questions. The system chooses questions based on what it already knows and what it still needs to learn. Sting data, dynamic screening drastically reduces the number of questions needed. This results in faster recruitment and a more positive experience for participants.
- Precise targeting: It is much easier to find participants with complex or overlapping criteria. (How to Recruit the Right User Research Participants, 2024) You can combine several attributes to find exactly the right people.
- Better participant experience: Users are invited to studies for which they are more likely to qualify, reducing screener fatigue and frustration. (Estey & Sadie, 2023) This keeps the participant pool healthy and engaged.
- Cost-effective for niche studies: Although the technology is more advanced, it can be more affordable in the long run by minimizing the time and effort required to find rare participants. (Cost-effectiveness of social media advertising as a recruitment tool: A systematic review and meta-analysis, 2024)
Cons of Dynamic Screening
- Requires a rich database: This method is only as good as the data it relies on. It requires a platform with a large, well-profiled panel of participants.
- More complex setup for the platform: Building and maintaining a dynamic screening system requires significant technical work, so it is usually available only on advanced research platforms.
- Potential for data staleness: The profile. Potential for outdated data: Profile information must be updated often to stay accurate. (Update your participant profile, 2025) If a user’s situation changes, such as switching jobs or buying a new phone, the system needs to record that
Which approach should you choose? It depends on your research goals, your target audience, and the resources you have.
You should use static screening if:
- Your participant criteria are simple and broad (e.g., "females aged 25-40 who shop online").
- You are using a traditional survey platform without advanced profiling capabilities.
- Your budget is extremely limited, and you need the simplest possible setup.
- You are recruiting for a general population study where most people will qualify.
You should use dynamic screening if:
- You need to recruit participants with complex, niche, or overlapping characteristics (e.g., "project managers in the US who use Asana daily on an Android device and have switched banks in the last six months").
- Recruitment speed is a top priority.
- You want to provide a better experience for your participants to ensure high-quality data.
- You are conducting regular research and need a reliable, efficient way to find the right users every time.
A Smarter Way to Recruit
With faster product development and a greater need for quality user feedback, efficient recruitment is more important than ever. Static screening can work in some cases, but it often struggles with complex targeting. (Screeners | Glossary, 2023) Dynamic screening provides a smarter, more flexible, and user-focused way to improve your research.
Dynamic screening uses existing data to ask fewer, more relevant questions, helping you find the right participants faster. (Krähmer et al., 2017) This means you can spend less time on recruitment and more time gathering insights that improve your product.
If you're struggling to findIf you have trouble finding the right users for your studies, consider using a platform that goes beyond static screeners and offers a more dynamic approach.ic vs. Dynamic Screening: What's the Difference?