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Conducting research surveys via e-mail and the web / Matthias Schonlau, Ronald D. Fricker, Jr., Marc N. Elliott.

Lippincott Library HA29 .S366 2002
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Format:
Book
Author/Creator:
Schonlau, Matthias, 1967-
Contributor:
Fricker, Ronald D., Jr., 1960-
Elliott, Marc N., 1966-
Language:
English
Subjects (All):
Social sciences--Research--Methodology.
Social sciences.
Social sciences--Data processing.
Social surveys.
Surveys.
Electronic mail systems.
Telephone surveys.
Internet.
Physical Description:
xxiv, 118 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm
Place of Publication:
Santa Monica, CA : Rand, 2002.
Summary:
Internet-based surveys, although still in their infancy, are becoming increasingly popular because they are believed to be faster, better, cheaper, and easier to conduct than surveys using more-traditional telephone or mail methods. Based on evidence in the literature and real-life case studies, this book examines the validity of those claims. The authors discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using e-mail and the Web to conduct research surveys, and also offer practical suggestions for designing and implementing Internet surveys most effectively.
Contents:
Chapter 2 Background on the Survey Process 5
The Survey Process as a Whole: The Basic Steps 5
Contact, Response, and Follow-up Modes 7
Probability and Convenience Samples 8
Important Considerations in Planning a Survey 9
Response Rates 9
Cost 10
Timeliness 12
Sources of Error 13
Data Quality 16
Chapter 3 Literature Review of Web and E-Mail Surveys 19
A Brief History of Electronic Surveys 19
Response Rates of Internet Surveys 20
Cost of a Web Survey Versus Other Modes 24
Comparing Speed and Timeliness of Internet Surveys with Other Modes 27
Sources of Error with Internet Surveys 29
Data Quality in E-Mail Versus Mail Surveys 31
Chapter 4 Choosing Among the Various Types of Internet Surveys 33
Convenience Sampling Approaches 33
Uncontrolled Instrument Distribution 35
Systematic Sampling of Web Site Visitors 36
Volunteer Panel 36
Probability Sampling Approaches 37
Sampling from a Closed Population 37
Sampling from General Populations 38
Prerecruited Panel 39
A Hybrid Sampling Approach: Combining a Convenience Sample with a Probability Sample 40
Chapter 5 Guidelines for Designing and Implementing Internet Surveys 41
Questionnaire Design 41
Automation 50
Fielding 51
Chapter 6 Internet Survey Case Studies 55
A Survey Using a Probability Sample of a Closed Population 56
An Inexpensive Web Survey with a Convenience Sample 57
A Survey with a Probability Sample of a General Population and Multiple Response Modes 60
A Survey by a Commercial Web Survey Firm Using a Convenience Sample Adjusted for Self-Selection 64
Two Surveys Using Probability Samples from Closed Populations 68
Prodigy Survey 68
Pew Research Center Survey 70
Summary of the Two Surveys 71
The Future of Internet-Based Survey Methods 73
Considerations in Employing the Internet for Research Surveys 74
Addressing Claims About the Current Performance of Internet Surveys 76
Are They Faster? 76
Are They Better? 77
Are They Cheaper? 78
Are They Easier to Conduct? 79
Some Unanswered Questions About Internet Surveys 79
What Is the Optimal Instrument Design? 79
How Effective Are Incentives? 80
How Effective Is Weighting? 80
A. Literature Review of Response Rates 81
B. Summary of Evidence in the Literature 95
C. How Effective is Using A Convenience Sample to Supplement a Probability Sample? 107.
Notes:
Includes bibliographical references (pages 113-118).
ISBN:
0833031104
OCLC:
48435331

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