Survey Self Administered: Internet or Web-based

[Description] [Pros] [Cons] [Common Uses] [Resources]

Description

Questionnaires or survey forms are filled out by the respondents themselves by logging onto a Web site. When using Web-based surveys, a questionnaire is programmed and displayed on a Web site with respondents keying in their answers. Requires that respondents are somewhat familiar and comfortable with using computers and have access to the Internet.

Clarity in question design and instructions for completion are important. Speed of both the Web site host and the participant’s computer affect how fast the survey can be accessed and used.

Pros

• Participants can complete the questionnaire on their own schedule and over several sessions, if necessary
• Useful for complex questionnaires because complex “skip patterns” can be preprogrammed
• Can control sequencing of questions
• Programs can provide quick intermediary data summaries and analysis of results, even before all participants have completed the survey.

Cons

• Not appropriate for audiences who cannot read
• Not appropriate for audiences unfamiliar or uncomfortable with computers or Internet use
• Requires some type of contact or email list in order to invite potential participants to complete the survey and to give them the Web link
• Requires a Web site host, which must be always accessible and fast enough to handle the number of participants
• Requires programming of the questionnaire or survey and the results database.

Common Uses

• Customer satisfaction
• Gatekeeper or partner surveys
• Membership surveys

Resources

Dillman, D.A. 2000. Mail and Internet Surveys: The Tailored Design Method. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Several commercial vendors offer survey development services, including:

• http://www.Zoomerang.com
• http://www.SurveyMonkey.com
• http://www.KnowledgeNetworks.com