How To Conduct Surveys Via Email And the Web

Introduction

Surveys based on the internet are believed to be more economical and faster. They are increasing day by day, but still popular. Surveys comprised of email and the web are considered to be easier than old traditional methods (mail or telephone). The purpose of using email and the web for a survey may be different. Researchers usually use a web survey when the target population is vast, and accessible through the internet and if target population is a small group of consistent online users, then email surveys are conducted.

Email and the web are the new innovations introduced by the internet. In email, the instrument of a survey is in the main body and web surveys are conducted on web-sites. An Internet survey is an alternate for traditional methods. Surveys conducted through email, and the web takes less time, and they are better than customary methods and easily executed. Few steps have to be followed while conducting a survey through email and web.

Step 1

The first step is to define the objectives of the survey. By mentioning such details, it lets us to stay focused during the survey. When the objectives are not defined properly, it results in failure of the survey because all the later stages depend on how clear your objectives are. Surveys conducted via email, and web must be designed in a way that it addresses the goals.

Step 2

After defining goals, sampling method is designed. It mainly focuses on selection of people. In order to provide exact attitudes of the society, sampling must be done keenly. If wrong people are selected, then the results will not be appropriate, as a sample reflects the whole population. However, before the selection of sample, method of sample selection must be defined. Either it is based on probability or convenience. Creating a frame for sampling is required but not necessarily. Sampling method must be done with extra attention, as our whole survey is based on a selected sample.

Step 3

In the third step, you have to select the mode of your survey, which can be emailed. After this you must test the instrument you are going to use. Draft of your questionnaire must be prepared. Then you should revise and pretest the instrument of the survey.

Step 4

At this stage you must be sure that your respondents are well aware. You must remind them about the coming survey by giving pre-notifications throughout the process. And when the survey is completed thank them nicely.

Step 5

This is the last step comprised of collecting the whole data, selecting the relevant information and then gives a proper analysis of the whole survey. Verification and checking of data is required. And then whole data is electronically captured.

Tips and Comments

Email and web survey methods are at their initial stages and not adopted by the majority, so researchers are still learning. A few things have to be kept in mind while conducting surveys via email and web that too many colors and different fonts can be distracting. Along with this, bolding and italicizing of keywords must be done appropriately, which will make the questions easily understandable. Instructions given in small fonts can make the questionnaire easy to follow.

Comments

Most Recent Articles