Methods for the Design and Administration of Web-based Surveys

Abstract

This paper describes the design, development, and administration of a Web-based survey to determine the use of the Internet in clinical practice by 450 dental professionals. The survey blended principles of a controlled mail survey with data collection through a Web-based database application. The survey was implemented as a series of simple HTML pages and tested with a wide variety of operating environments. The response rate was 74.2 percent. Eighty-four percent of the participants completed the Web-based survey, and 16 percent used e-mail or fax. Problems identified during survey administration included incompatibilities/technical problems, usability problems, and a programming error. The cost of the Web-based survey was 38 percent less than that of an equivalent mail survey. A general formula for calculating breakeven points between electronic and hardcopy surveys is presented. Web-based surveys can significantly reduce turnaround time and cost compared with mail surveys and may enhance survey item completion rates.

Development and Initial Validation of a Patient-Reported Adverse Drug Event Questionnaire

“…A personal login code was used to prevent multiple completions of patients [40]. After completion of the ADE part, questions were asked regarding feasibility, including self-reported time to complete the questionnaire and ease of use on a five-point Likert scale.…”

Effectiveness of Pharmacoeconomic and Outcomes Research Fellowship Programs Within the United States

“…Issues such as technical incompatibilities and users' confidence toward a web-based survey are often described as major factors contributing to decreased response rates with Internet-based surveys. 18,19 However, the use of a Web-based survey offers several benefits, such as reducing administrative costs, enhancing data collection by eliminating coding errors and data-entry mistakes, and preserving participants' anonymity. 17,18 Two major findings may be drawn from this research study.…”

“…18,19 However, the use of a Web-based survey offers several benefits, such as reducing administrative costs, enhancing data collection by eliminating coding errors and data-entry mistakes, and preserving participants' anonymity. 17,18 Two major findings may be drawn from this research study. First, potential outcome measures for PE/OR fellowships have been defined based upon a conceptual framework universally used for developing outcomes for educational programs.…”

The Paradox of “Structured” Methods for Software Requirements Management: A Case Study of an e-Government Development Project

“…Following the recommendation of Schleyer and Forrest (2000), the digits 0 and 1 were not used because of potential confusion with the the letters "O" and "l". A password-protected directory was also used (username: "anonymous", password: "guest").…”