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Social and Behavioral Research and the Internet

Advances in Applied Methods and Research Strategies

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Part of the European Association for Methodology Series series

Reflecting the growing use of the Internet, this timely volume highlights the progress made by researchers in using Web-based surveys for data collection. Featuring contributions from the leading behavioral and social scientists in Europe and the United States, the book highlights their experiences with Internet research. It addresses practical issues such as data quality, how to reach difficult target groups, how to design a survey to maximize response, and ethical issues that need to be considered. Innovative applications such as the use of biomarkers and eye tracking techniques are also explored. Some chapters provide theory and best practice examples while others focus on current issues such as understanding Paradata.

Some of the chapters reference the innovative LISS panel of CentERdata collected from over 5,000 households. Some contributors applied innovative web-based research methods to this data and their findings are presented in the book. A website features the CentERdata's databank.

Part 1 provides an overview of Internet survey research including its methodologies, strengths, challenges, and best practices. Innovative ways to minimize sources of error are provided along with a review of mixed-mode designs, tips on how to design a scientifically sound longitudinal panel and avoid sampling problems, and ethical requirements in web surveys. Part 2 focuses on advanced applications including the impact of visual design on the interpretability of survey questions, the impact survey usability has on respondents’ answers, design features that increase the interaction with respondents, and how Internet surveys can be effectively used to study sensitive issues. Part 3 addresses data quality, sample selection, measurement and non-response error, and new applications for collecting and understanding online survey data. The issue of underrepresentation of certain groups in Internet research and the measures most effective at reducing it, are addressed. The importance of Paradata, which contains information about the data collection process is discussed, followed by innovative chapters on the use of eye-tracking techniques and on collecting biomarker data.

An ideal supplement for graduate and/or upper level undergraduate courses on (internet) research methods and/or data collection taught in departments of psychology, sociology, marketing, economics, and business, this practical book also appeals to researchers and professionals in these fields who use the Internet for data collection.

Table of Contents

M. Das, P. Ester, & L. Kaczmirek, Introduction.　 Part 1: Methodology in Internet Survey Research　 J. D. Smyth & J. E. Pearson, Internet Survey Methods: A Review of Strengths, Weaknesses, and Innovations.　 E. D. de Leeuw & J. J. Hox, Internet Surveys as Part of a Mixed Mode Design.　 A. C. Scherpenzeel & M. Das, True Longitudinal and Probability-Based Internet Panels: Evidence from the Netherlands.　 A. C. Scherpenzeel & J. G. Bethlehem, How Representative are Online Panels? Problems of Coverage and Selection and Possible Solutions.　 E. Singer & M. P. Couper, Ethical Considerations in Internet Surveys.　 Part 2: Advanced Methods and Applications　 V. Toepoel & D. A. Dillman, How Visual Design Affects the Interpretability of Survey Questions.　 L. Kaczmirek, Attention and Usability in Internet Surveys: Effects of Visual Feedback in Grid Questions.　 M. Oudejans & L. M. Christian, Using Interactive Features to Motivate and Probe Responses to Open-Ended Questions.　 P. Ester & H. Vinken, Measuring Attitudes towards Controversial Issues in Internet Surveys: Order Effects of Open and Closed Questioning.　 Part 3: Data Quality: Problems and Solutions　 C. M. Vis & M. Marchand, Challenges in Reaching Hard-to-Reach Groups in Internet Panel Research.　 A. van Soest & A. Kapteyn, 　Mode and Context Effects in Measuring Household Assets.　 D. Heerwegh, Internet Survey Paradata. M. Galesic & T. Yan, Use of Eye Tracking for Studying Survey Response Processes.　 M. Avendano, A. C. Scherpenzeel, & J. P. Mackenbach, Can Biomarkers be Collected in an Internet Survey? A Pilot Study in the LISS Panel.　 M. Das, P. Ester, & L. Kaczmirek, Discussion and Conclusions.

Reviews

"An interesting topic… that should attract a large readership…The contributors … are internationally well known researchers….this book should make quite a splash … it [is] unique and very timely." - Joop Hox, Serires Editor, Utrecht University, the Netherlands

"The topic will be of real interest to many … in university, governmental organizations…and marketing and opinion research. The authors are well known, and have impressive publication lists." - Edith de Leeuw, Utrecht University, the Netherlands

"…Very promising and very much needed." - Vasja Vehovar, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia

Author Biography

Marcel Das is Director of CentERdata, a leading Dutch research institute specialized in web-based surveys. As a director he has managed a large number of national and international research projects. His research interests include design issues in web-based interviewing and micro-econometric modeling of household behavior. He received his Ph.D. in Economics from Tilburg University in 1998.

Peter Ester is a professor of sociology and director of OSA - Institute for Labour Studies (which has the longest and oldest panel surveys in Europe) at Tilburg University, The Netherlands. He is also visiting Professor at ZUMA, Mannheim, and chairman of the Board of Overseers of CentERdata. A Former Chairman of the Dutch Association of Social and Cultural Scientists and Member of the Board of Statistics Netherlands,he has published extensively on cross-national and intergenerational trends in attitudes and values.

Lars Kaczmirek is a survey research methodologist at GESIS-ZUMA (German Social Science Infrastructure Services). He graduated from the University of Mannheim in psychology in 2003. His research focuses on online surveys, reducing survey error, website evaluation, and usability issues.