Online Surveys
These are becoming more common as the proportion of people who have access to
the internet increases. In 2008, 59% of households in the UK have internet
access (48% Broadband, 11% dial up). Online surveys can be either web-based or
email. In web-based surveys, individuals are invited to visit a website to
complete the survey or are sent a link. Where email addresses are available,
Email surveys can have the survey embedded within the email – or a link can be
sent to the respondent.
Issues to consider
Whilst using the internet can be a very helpful, and
often cost-effective method of data collection, there are
some issues to consider:
- Potential bias - although the proportion of
households with internet access is growing, older
people, or households in lower socio-economic groups are
still less likely to have access
- Response - if only email contact is made inviting
(and reminding) the sample to take part, the response
rate is unlikely to be over 20
- Speed - Internet or email surveys can be conducted
quickly and with lower costs, as there are no postage,
nor data entry costs.
|
Example Use of an
online survey
In some areas, online surveys are now used in consultations with individuals.
For example, the South Yorkshire Strategic Health Authority uses online surveys
to find out what out patients want from the NHS. This includes aspects of health
and lifestyle. |
| An example of the use of offline and online techniques in a lifestyle
survey is the
Leicestershire
County and Rutland Healthy Lifestyle Survey |
