Cogprints

Conducting Web-Based Surveys

Solomon, David J (2001) Conducting Web-Based Surveys. [Journal (On-line/Unpaginated)]

Full text available as:

[img]
Preview
 PDF
110Kb

Abstract

Web-based surveying is becoming widely used in social science and educational research. The Web offers significant advantages over more traditional survey techniques however there are still serious methodological challenges with using this approach. Currently coverage bias or the fact significant numbers of people do not have access, or choose not to use the Internet is of most concern to researchers. Survey researchers also have much to learn concerning the most effective ways to conduct surveys over the Internet. While in its early stages, research on Internet-based survey methodology has identified a number of factors that influence data quality. Of note, several studies have found Internet surveys have significantly lower response rates than comparable mailed surveys. Several factors have been found to increase response rates including personalized email cover letters, follow-up reminders, pre-notification of the intent to survey and simpler formats. A variety of software tools are now available for conducting Internet surveys and they are becoming a increasing sophisticated and easy to use. While there is a need for caution, the use of Web-based surveying is clearly going to grow.

Item Type:Journal (On-line/Unpaginated)
Keywords:survey research, World Wide Web, data collection
Subjects:Psychology > Social Psychology
ID Code:2357
Deposited By: David, Solomon
Deposited On:31 Jul 2002
Last Modified:11 Mar 2011 08:54

References in Article

Select the SEEK icon to attempt to find the referenced article. If it does not appear to be in cogprints you will be forwarded to the paracite service. Poorly formated references will probably not work.

Best, S.,J., Krueger, B., Hubbard, C. & Smith, A. (2001) An assessment of the generalizability of internet surveys. Social Science Computer Review, 19, 131-145.

Cook, C, Heath, F, & Thompson, R. (2000) A meta-analysis of response rates in web or Internet-based surveys. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 60, 821-836.

Couper, M.P., Blair, J. & Triplett T (1999) A comparison of mail and e-mail for a survey of employees in federal statistical agencies. Journal of Official Statistics 15, 39-56.

Crawford, S.D., Couper, M.P.& Lamias, M.J.. (2001) Web Surveys: Perception of burden. Social Science Computer Review, 19, 146-162.

Dillman, D.A., Tortora, R.D. & Bowker, D. Principles for constructing web surveys. Working paper available from http://survey.sesrc.wsu.edu/dillman/papers.htm [Accessed 6/01]

Dillman, D.A, Tortora, R.D, Conrad, J. & Bowker D. Influence of plan vs. fancy design on response rates of Web surveys. Working paper available from http://survey.sesrc.wsu.edu/dillman/papers.htm [Accessed 6/01]

Jeavons A. Ethology and the Web: Observing respondent behavior in Web surveys. Proceedings of the Worldwide Internt Conference, Amsterdam: ESOMAR, 1998, available from http://w3.one.net/~andrewje/ethology.html [Accessed 7/01]

Kaye B.K. & Johnson T.J. (1999) .Research Methodology: Taming the Cyber Frontier. Social Science Computer Review, 17, 323-337.

Kittleson, M. (1997) Determining effective follow-up of e-mail surveys. American Journal of Health Behavior. 21, 193-196.

Medin, C., Roy, S. & Ann, T. (1999) World Wide Web versus mail surveys: A comparison and report.. Paper presentation at ANZMAC99 Conference, Marketing in the Third Millennium, Sydney, Australia, available from http://www.anzmac99.unsw.edu.au/anzmacfiles/papers.htm [Accessed 6/01]

Selwyn, N., Robson, K. (1998) Using e-mail as a research tool, Social Research Update, available from http://www.soc.surrey.ac.uk/sru/SRU21.html [Accessed 6/01]

Metadata

Repository Staff Only: item control page

Cogprints is powered by EPrints 3 which is developed by the School of Electronics and Computer Science at the University of Southampton. More information and software credits.