Conducting Online Surveys
Top Cited Papers
- 30 October 2018
- journal article
- research article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Journal of Human Lactation
- Vol. 35 (3), 413-417
- https://doi.org/10.1177/0890334419848734
Abstract
There is an established methodology for conducting survey research that aims to ensure rigorous research and robust outputs. With the advent of easy-to-use online survey platforms, however, the quality of survey studies has declined. This article summarizes the pros and cons of online surveys and emphasizes the key principles of survey research, for example questionnaire validation and sample selection. Numerous texts are available to guide researchers in conducting robust survey research online, however this is neither a quick nor easy undertaking. While online survey websites and software are useful for assisting in questionnaire design and delivery, they can also introduce sources of bias. Researchers considering conducting online surveys are encouraged to read carefully about how the principles of survey research can be applied to online formats in order to reduce bias and enhance rigor. In addition to alerting researchers to the pitfalls of online surveys this article also aims to equip readers of this journal with the knowledge of how to critically appraise publications based on online surveys.Keywords
This publication has 15 references indexed in Scilit:
- Breast feeding basic competence in primary care: Development and validation of the CAPA questionnaireMidwifery, 2016
- Survey fraud test sparks battleScience, 2016
- Conducting Online SurveysPublished by SAGE Publications ,2012
- Reporting Guidelines for Survey Research: An Analysis of Published Guidance and Reporting PracticesPLoS Medicine, 2011
- Conducting an Internet-based Survey: Benefits, Pitfalls, and Lessons LearnedSocial Work Research, 2010
- Improving the Quality of Web Surveys: The Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES)Journal of Medical Internet Research, 2004
- Electronic Survey Methodology: A Case Study in Reaching Hard-to-Involve Internet UsersInternational Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 2003
- Good practice in the conduct and reporting of survey researchInternational Journal for Quality in Health Care, 2003
- Data dredging, bias, or confoundingBMJ, 2002
- Some Effects of "Social Desirability" in Survey StudiesAmerican Journal of Sociology, 1972