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Running sessions
How responses work
Last reviewed: 31 August 2026
What happens when participants answer, reconnect or return after results are cleared.
Each browser can answer a live question once, or once in each Before & After phase.
Returning to a live session
Reconnecting in the same browser normally keeps the same participation and earlier answers. Using another browser or clearing its saved data can make someone appear as a new participant.
Submitting a Survey again
In an open Survey, a valid resubmission replaces the earlier response from that browser. It does not add a second answer.
Anonymous mode
Anonymous mode applies to the whole session. Names are not included with anonymous responses. PollSpark still recognises returning browsers to prevent repeat answers. In named mode, participants can choose to add a name.
Changing a question after answers arrive
After the first accepted response, settings that could change the meaning of the results are locked. Clearing responses does not unlock a question. You can still switch between the Before and After phases.
Clearing responses
After results are successfully cleared, participants can answer again. Someone already seeing “Answer received” may need to reload the participant page.
Sharing and exporting answers
Each question-type article explains what its PDF and CSV exports contain. CSV export is available on paid plans.
Share results only with people who should see the answers. A Shared Results link can make individual answers available, including optional participant names in named mode.