Online surveys are becoming more popular as the number and types of Internet users increasingly grow to more closely resemble the general population.

The Methodology

The Benefits

Online Surveys: Methodology

When an online survey is selected as the appropriate tool, the following are typical steps in implementing this method:

• Meetings between the client and RPG to determine

  • The research objectives of the study,

  • The questions to be addressed, and

  • The profile of the participants;

• Based on the above input, a survey is developed by RPG and submitted to the client for review
• An email list is obtained that reflects the target market
• Online surveys are designed to be completed in a short amount of time (3 minutes or less) to avoid respondent fatigue
• RPG analyzes the information and prepares a complete, written report
• A presentation of findings is scheduled if desired

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Online Surveys: The Benefits

• Timely information: more rapid deployment, real-time reporting

• Reduction in costs

• Capability of personalization of the survey

• Higher response rates

• Accessibility for hard-to-reach respondents

• Self-determined time for completion of the survey

• Visual and audio stimuli are available to respondents as they take the survey

There are some disadvantages to the online survey. Similar to mailed surveys, the questions are essentially self-administered without the assistance of a trained interviewer who can probe and clarify questions. Second, some respondents may perceive security issues with online surveys and be reluctant to participate.

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