Description
Book SynopsisWhile web surveys are a popular, quick, and cheap form of data collection, there are many methodological issues that factor into conducting them. A valuable reference on the theoretical and practical aspects of the topic, this book addresses the design of user-friendly web surveys, as well as creation of proper samples.
Table of ContentsPREFACE xi
1 THE ROAD TO WEB SURVEYS 1
1.1 Introduction, 1
1.2 Theory, 2
1.2.1 The Everlasting Demand for Statistical Information, 2
1.2.2 The Dawn of Sampling Theory, 4
1.2.3 Traditional Data Collection, 8
1.2.4 The Era of Computer-Assisted Interviewing, 10
1.2.5 The Conquest of the Web, 12
1.3 Application, 21
1.4 Summary, 31
2 ABOUT WEB SURVEYS 37
2.1 Introduction, 37
2.2 Theory, 40
2.2.1 Typical Survey Situations, 40
2.2.2 Why On-Line Data Collection?, 45
2.2.3 Areas of Application, 48
2.2.4 Trends in Web Surveys, 50
2.3 Application, 52
2.4 Summary, 55
3 SAMPLING FOR WEB SURVEYS 59
3.1 Introduction, 59
3.2 Theory, 60
3.2.1 Target Population, 60
3.2.2 Sampling Frames, 63
3.2.3 Basic Concepts of Sampling, 68
3.2.4 Simple Random Sampling, 71
3.2.5 Determining the Sample Size, 74
3.2.6 Some Other Sampling Designs, 76
3.2.7 Estimation Procedures, 82
3.3 Application, 87
3.4 Summary, 92
4 ERRORS IN WEB SURVEYS 97
4.1 Introduction, 97
4.2 Theory, 103
4.2.1 Measurement Errors, 103
4.2.2 Nonresponse, 124
4.3 Application, 133
4.3.1 The Safety Monitor, 133
4.3.2 Measurement Errors, 134
4.3.3 Nonresponse, 136
4.4 Summary, 138
5 WEB SURVEYS AND OTHER MODES OF DATA COLLECTION 147
5.1 Introduction, 147
5.1.1 Modes of Data Collection, 147
5.1.2 The Choice of the Modes of Data Collection, 149
5.2 Theory, 152
5.2.1 Face-To-Face Surveys, 152
5.2.2 Telephone surveys, 158
5.2.3 Mail Surveys, 164
5.2.4 Web surveys, 169
5.3 Application, 174
5.4 Summary, 182
6 DESIGNING A WEB SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE 189
6.1 Introduction, 189
6.2 Theory, 191
6.2.1 The Road Map Toward a Web Questionnaire, 191
6.2.2 The Language of Questions, 197
6.2.3 Answers Types (Response Format), 200
6.2.4 Basic Concepts of Visualization, 211
6.2.5 Web Questionnaires and Paradata, 217
6.2.6 Trends in Web Questionnaire Design and Visualization, 223
6.3 Application, 226
6.4 Summary, 228
7 MIXED-MODE SURVEYS 235
7.1 Introduction, 235
7.2 Theory, 238
7.2.1 What is Mixed Mode?, 238
7.2.2 Why Mixed Mode?, 243
7.2.3 Methodological Issues, 248
7.2.4 Mixed Mode for Business Surveys, 262
7.2.5 Mixed Mode for Surveys Among Households and Individuals, 267
7.3 Application, 272
7.4 Summary, 274
8 THE PROBLEM OF UNDERCOVERAGE 281
8.1 Introduction, 281
8.2 Theory, 287
8.2.1 The Internet Population, 287
8.2.2 A Random Sample From the Internet Population, 288
8.2.3 Reducing the Noncoverage Bias, 290
8.2.4 Mixed-Mode Data Collection, 294
8.3 Application, 295
8.4 Summary, 299
9 THE PROBLEM OF SELF-SELECTION 303
9.1 Introduction, 303
9.2 Theory, 306
9.2.1 Basic Sampling Theory, 306
9.2.2 A Self-Selection Sample fromthe Internet Population, 309
9.2.3 Reducing the Self-Selection Bias, 314
9.3 Application, 319
9.4 Summary, 323
10 WEIGHTING ADJUSTMENT TECHNIQUES 329
10.1 Introduction, 329
10.2 Theory, 334
10.2.1 The Concept of Representativity, 334
10.2.2 Poststratification, 336
10.2.3 Generalized Regression Estimation, 349
10.2.4 Raking Ratio Estimation, 358
10.2.5 Calibration Estimation, 361
10.2.6 Constraining the Values of Weights, 362
10.2.7 Correction Using a Reference Survey, 363
10.3 Application, 372
10.4 Summary, 378
11 USE OF RESPONSE PROPENSITIES 385
11.1 Introduction, 385
11.2 Theory, 389
11.2.1 A Simple Random Sample with Nonresponse, 389
11.2.2 A Self-Selection Sample, 392
11.2.3 The Response Propensity Definition, 393
11.2.4 Models for Response Propensities, 394
11.2.5 Correction Methods Based on Response Propensities, 401
11.3 Application, 406
11.3.1 Generation of the Population, 407
11.3.2 Generation of Response Probabilities, 408
11.3.3 Generation of the Sample, 408
11.3.4 Computation of Response Propensities, 408
11.3.5 Matching Response Propensities, 409
11.3.6 Estimation of Population Characteristics, 411
11.3.7 Evaluating the Results, 412
11.3.8 Model Sensitivity, 412
11.4 Summary, 413
12 WEB PANELS 419
12.1 Introduction, 419
12.2 Theory, 422
12.2.1 Web Panel Definition and Recruitment, 422
12.2.2 Use of Web Panels, 426
12.2.3 Web Panel Management, 427
12.2.4 Response Rates, 432
12.2.5 Representativity, 443
12.3 Application, 449
12.4 Summary, 451
Key Terms, 452
Exercises, 452
References, 454
INDEX 459
