Sociology

The growth of internet in the past has changed nearly every aspect of society, organization, information acquisition and business. Information technology advancement   has made it easy for concerned parties to source important information.  One common approach used by surveyors, policy makers and individuals to source this information is the use of internet.

According to George (2003), information is sourced from the internet through the use of web-based surveys. In the past decade, use of internet has been in the rise due to advanced technology, (p.13). The increased use of internet through web-based surveying methods is attributed to its efficient, fastness and less costs. In addition, the use of internet to conduct surveys is less prone to error than other traditional methods.

In his research work, Lewin (2004) postulated that surveys are methods and means used by individuals to collect important information necessary for statistics or for any other purposes. In behavioral science, surveys are considered as imperfect methods used to collect data (p.32). This is because they require subjects to recall past behavior as compared to observation which is considered to be a more accurate method. In addition, data obtained through the use of surveys is considered to lack quality and thus other methods need to be used to improve results.

Common methods used while conducting internet surveys include electronic mails, web-based surveys, internet questionnaires and web page surveys. Electronic surveys or internet surveys have the capacity to conduct large scale data collection in organizations. The use of technology to conduct internet surveys is less costly and this is the main reason which favors internet surveys.

In yet another argument, Magee and his colleagues (2003) comprehended that email offers the best option for distributing information necessary in internet surveying (P.147). Conducting of internet surveys has been made possible due to growth in World Wide Web (WWW). The use of Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) forms and Web-based surveys is considered as one of the dominant method used to gather survey data. HTML forms streamline data collection methods and the processed data is directly entered into a database for analysis.

HTML forms are programmable and this provides a mechanism in which real time error is checked and errors are corrected. This means that data collected for surveying is usually accurate and free from any corruption. HTML forms used to collect survey data is formatted in a manner that makes it easy to read the data and improves response rates. The email is the common method used while conducting internet surveys because of its efficiency and effectiveness.

Internet surveying through e-mail is done by sending a survey to a list of respondents who intern responds through sending emails. This method is done through the use w of questions whereby the respondents are emailed with particular questions of interest. The respondents answer the same questions through the internet and send feedback. The person conducting the survey then collects important data necessary for survey (Matthias, Marc, 2005, p.10). Once the survey data has been collected, the surveyor produces more impressive charts, text reports and tables. This is a very critical step necessary to put the necessary data into records for further reference.

According to Colvin and Lanigan (2005), a combination of email and cover letter as a means of carrying survey on sampled with the use of HTML forms provides an efficient approach to internet surveying, (p.71). Advancement in technology has led to development of modern email packages that automatically convert universal resource locators (URLs) in an email text into hyperlinks. This provides the respondent with the capacity to click their mouse on a particular URL that displays survey form necessary to be filled out. This is considered as one of the most efficient method applied by organizations to collect data in different fields. Surveys of this nature are used by organization s in business category, health sector and investments.

In their research journal, Gerke and Evers (2006) hypothesized that Web-based surveying is another technique used to conduct internet surveys in corresponding fields of production, marketing and distribution (p.27). The development of World Wide Web has made it possible for surveyors to collect data. Although this technique is widely used by many surveyors it has some challenges. One major problem of this technique is biasness on sampled people that are not in a position to access internet. Large numbers of people especially in developing nations are not in a position to access internet. There are wide disparities in internet access reported among socioeconomic and ethnic groups.

In developed nations like the U.S, Canada and Western Europe internet access is extremely high and coverage bias is less of concern. This is highly observed in universities and colleges. However, coverage bias may not be of great concern but the experience and comfort with the use of internet based tools is a serious problem that faces internet surveying. Web-based surveying is at the early stage of development and it has been a challenge in developed and developing nations. The use of internet survey depends on the familiarity of user in relation to web browsers.

Internet-based surveying techniques should be used with caution because some individuals can use information from such sources for their own benefits. For instance the use of HTML forms of surveying posses the challenge of unwanted respondents who are not among the sampled people.

How to conduct an internet survey
The process used while conducting internet survey is similar to that of mail questionnaire. However, there are small considerations that differentiate this process from other forms of surveys. The process of conducting internet surveys include clarification of research objectives, deciding  on a sample method, questionnaire design, inviting the sample to participate in internet survey, hosting  web survey on the internet, collecting and verifying data, and preparation of  statistical analysis reports (Diaz Nancy, 2004,p.29).

Clarification of research objectives
Diaz and Nancy (2004) have profoundly documented that the first step towards a genuine internet survey is to define the goal of the research in specific areas of interest. This is done through noting on a paper the goals or objectives of the research. It is a way of making sure that the survey remains focused on the area of interest (p.36). A survey that has no objectives ends up to be a failure while poorly defined objectives leads to ambiguous results and long surveys. The research objectives should aim at providing necessary information needed to make concrete decisions. The internet survey itself should be designed in a manner that addresses research goals. Well designed research objectives make the surveyor to easily decide on the best method to use.

Deciding on the best sample method
In yet another argument, Vinton (2008) formulated that proper sampling methods are necessary for internet survey because it gives right results. Sampling method aims at ensuring that one gets high response rate and this makes it possible for collected data to be reliable. One efficient method to use while conducting internet survey is the use of emails, (p.11). Many respondents are reached within a short period of time. The surveyor is supposed to have email address for al respondents and send bulk emails. The respondents answer the required questions and send back their answers through the same email.

Questionnaire design
Internet surveys are more critical than written and oral surveys because the respondents are distant apart from the surveyor. The research should be shorter than traditional mail questionnaires. Respondents are supposed to answer questions in the respective field of survey. The questions are usually short to give the respondent then chance to answer as many questions as possible (Law, 2004, p.31).

Inviting the sample to participate
The surveyor sends potential respondents emails inviting them to participate in the survey by clicking on a link provided in the email. The emails are usually serially numbered so s to provide an analysis on who responds and those who dont respond. The respondents are encouraged to answer the questions in an appropriate manner (Griffis, Cooper, 2003, p.8). To ensure there is full participation in the survey, respondents are given incentives as an appeal for response.

Hosting surveys on the internet
The surveyor should be in a position to access a server on the internet so as to get the right information. Particular internet links are provided to ensure that every respondent is in a position to access internet.

Verification and collection of data
Data verification and collection is performed at the time the respondent is taking the survey. This is possible because all the data is captured electronically and there should be no manual process involved. Data collection is done through emails and store response in a file on the server. The information in these sites is downloaded direct to personal computer. File method is the best because it does not consume a lot of internet resources and all data is stored on the server (George, 2003, p.78).

Preparation of statistical analysis reports
The importance or aim of conducting internet surveys is to get information for decision making. This requires preparation of comprehensive reports that provide necessary information for making decisions. The reports are prepared in a manner that allows users to interpret them easily and make quick decisions.