Research is the careful process of investigating a subject to discover facts to deliver actionable conclusions and recommendations and the foundation of any research is the research question. In other words, researchers must gathering information to answer the research question. Researchers use sampling techniques to gather data from a smaller subset of the total population. Widely used, self-administered surveys are valuable tools to gather data necessary to to answer a research question. Particularly, self-administered surveys or questionnaires are a fundamental research sampling strategy to collect and analyze the human attributes of research since questionnaires and surveys gather large amounts of data from smaller numbers. These
…show more content…
These surveys can reach a broad area to collect data in minimal time with minimal costs. Paper and telephone surveys have been in use for quite some time, while technology has created a newer data collection method. Depending on the sample size and research strategy, each method has advantages and disadvantages that researchers must consider when designing the data collection method. Paper. Efficient and effective, paper-based surveys can quickly achieve wide-distribution to gain a broader sample. Paper-based surveys involve using pen and paper to collect data and optical scanning to record results (Dillman, Smyth, & Christian, 2007). Person-to-person, postal, fax, and courier service are effective methods to deliver paper-based surveys (Dillman et al., 2007). Moreover, paper-based surveys can emulate computer surveys if a mixed mode method (paper and computer) is the data collection methods. Although paper-based surveys can reach a broad audience, the response rate of mail questionnaires is subject to the speed of the postal system. In addition, inaccurate mailing addresses can produce non-delivery rates or nonresponse …show more content…
In an Internet connected world, many people have ready access to become potential survey participants. With minimal costs, the use of email and internet based surveys has exploded, and the use of computer surveys will continue to grow (Teo, 2013). Flexible technology has reduced survey costs, widen the sampling size, condensed the data collection cycle, and improved accessibility (Stanton & Rogelberg, 2001). With wide proliferation, email and web-based surveys are easily accessible on computers, tablets, and mobile devices. An advantage of electronic surveys, email can have a survey embedded within the email body, or attached to an email as a document, or an email can give a link for participants to access the survey (Hoonakker & Carayon, 2009). Likewise, computer-assisted self-interviews (CASI) allow participants to click through a survey. Despite the advantages, computer-based surveys have concerns. One disadvantage of computer surveys occurs with compromised passwords, which invites unsolicited responses, which could skew or invalidate data. Another concern is if participants pose as different people, which causes integrity and security concerns (Teo, 2013). Lastly, technical problems or downtime can delay data gathering (Knapp & Kirk,
These surveys can reach a broad area to collect data in minimal time with minimal costs. Paper and telephone surveys have been in use for quite some time, while technology has created a newer data collection method. Depending on the sample size and research strategy, each method has advantages and disadvantages that researchers must consider when designing the data collection method. Paper. Efficient and effective, paper-based surveys can quickly achieve wide-distribution to gain a broader sample. Paper-based surveys involve using pen and paper to collect data and optical scanning to record results (Dillman, Smyth, & Christian, 2007). Person-to-person, postal, fax, and courier service are effective methods to deliver paper-based surveys (Dillman et al., 2007). Moreover, paper-based surveys can emulate computer surveys if a mixed mode method (paper and computer) is the data collection methods. Although paper-based surveys can reach a broad audience, the response rate of mail questionnaires is subject to the speed of the postal system. In addition, inaccurate mailing addresses can produce non-delivery rates or nonresponse …show more content…
In an Internet connected world, many people have ready access to become potential survey participants. With minimal costs, the use of email and internet based surveys has exploded, and the use of computer surveys will continue to grow (Teo, 2013). Flexible technology has reduced survey costs, widen the sampling size, condensed the data collection cycle, and improved accessibility (Stanton & Rogelberg, 2001). With wide proliferation, email and web-based surveys are easily accessible on computers, tablets, and mobile devices. An advantage of electronic surveys, email can have a survey embedded within the email body, or attached to an email as a document, or an email can give a link for participants to access the survey (Hoonakker & Carayon, 2009). Likewise, computer-assisted self-interviews (CASI) allow participants to click through a survey. Despite the advantages, computer-based surveys have concerns. One disadvantage of computer surveys occurs with compromised passwords, which invites unsolicited responses, which could skew or invalidate data. Another concern is if participants pose as different people, which causes integrity and security concerns (Teo, 2013). Lastly, technical problems or downtime can delay data gathering (Knapp & Kirk,