Conducting an Internet-Based Survey: Benefits, Pitfalls, And Lessons Learned (Research Note) (Report‪)‬

During the last 10 years, increasing numbers of researchers have been shifting to the use of Internet-based survey methodologies from traditional recruitment strategies and paper-and-pencil data collection methods. One reason is that the Internet has become accessible to "ordinary people," not just those who are computer savvy (Wellman, 2004). In 2007, 61.7% of all U.S. households had Internet access inside the home, and 71.0% had access outside the home (U.S. Department of Commerce, 2009). Furthermore, user-friendly survey software has streamlined the questionnaire design process and simplified the process of collecting and inputting data. Just as questions about sampling, recruitment, data collection, and response rates emerged when researchers began to use mail and telephone surveys, researchers have been trying to determine the best way to conduct surveys using Internet technology (Schonlau, Fricker, & Elliot, 2002). Although Internet-based methods have some important advantages, researchers who are used to traditional survey methods may encounter new challenges when using them.