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

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.