October 2003
Volume 7, Issue 1
Inside this Issue...
Social Science Computing
Laboratory
Faculty of Social
Science
Room 1228, Social Science Centre
The University of Western Ontario
London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 5C2
E-mail:
ssts@uwo.ca
Web: www.ssc.uwo.ca/ssnds
Phone: 519 661-2152
Managing Editor:
Ramona Fudge
Layout: Mary Van de Ven |
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SSC Network Update
Online Data
Collection
Peter Fewster
SSCL can assist
faculty and students in collecting research data online using web forms.
This method of data
collection has many advantages over the traditional approach of mailing
paper forms out to potential respondents. The advantages include:
- The entire process
from data collection to data analysis is seamless. Data is collected and
stored centrally in a file which can be read directly into your favourite
statistics program (e.g., SPSS, SAS, and Stata).
There is no lag time between data collection and data analysis.
- Faster turnaround
as hundreds of respondents can fill out the form and submit it
immediately.
- Data integrity can
be insured because responses can be validated before they are recorded.
- Data reliability is
increased because the data is entered by the respondent rather than
processed by the researcher.
- High response rates
are more likely since the survey can be completed anywhere in the world
via a web browser making the process more convenient and less intrusive.
Responses can be limited to a target audience using PIN numbers, passwords
or IP restrictions.
- This method is more
effective in reaching certain targeted groups.
- Cost is reduced
through the elimination of postage and paper forms.
- Most importantly,
technical & statistical help is at your finger tips via the main Help Desk
and the STATLAB @ SSCL service.
You are welcome to try
out a sample
survey. For more information contact:
Peter Fewster at Ext. 85069 or
Les Flodrowski at Ext. 83595.
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