Electronic vs. Conventional Surveys

This paper discusses the outcomes of two data collection methods involving questionnaires distributed to members of an organization. One group received a paper survey through the post whilst the second group was asked to complete the survey on-line. The results indicated that although response rates were higher for the on-line group there were no significant differences in the responses of the two groups. These results suggest that for targeted groups of the type involved in this study, either method can be used with confidence but that the on-line method may result in higher return. However, the additional benefits of speed, convenience and cost make the on-line method appealing.