TLE 6: The Online Survey Tools

TLE 6: The Online Survey Tools

I. Objective:      Define what online survey is.

Give the advantages of online surveys.

Identify the disadvantages of online surveys.

Identify some online survey tools.

II. Content

The Online Survey Tools

An Online Survey is a questionnaire created as web forms with database, which is completed by the respondents over the Internet. The use of online surveys has increased over the past years because of its overwhelming advantages to researchers, companies and individuals who wish to gather data in a wider scope. To gain a deeper understanding of people's opinions, the online surveys are a great option in many instances.

Advantages of Online Surveys

1. Faster - The distribution is quick and response time is faster. The information in online surveys is being gathered automatically so you don't have to wait for the questionnaire anymore.

2. More accurate - Online surveys cut down on errors since the questionnaire is being programmed and responses are stored automatically for easier analysis.

3. Cheaper - You can save money on overhead like paper, printing, postage, data processing and others.

4. Easier to analyze - The results are available immediately for analysis. Some tools present data in graphs or tables and even provide analysis tools.

5. Easier to use - Online survey tools can be easier to manage even for kids like you. The design and layout of the questionnaire can be customized according to your own style. It can be developed in minutes. Respondents of online surveys can answer the questionnaire at their own convenience. The results are readily available which could be transferred to another software for a more detailed analysis by the researchers.

Disadvantages of Online Surveys

1. Inability to reach other samples - The respondents of this method are only those who have Internet access.

2. Survey Fraud - Some participate on the survey for the sake of getting the incentive. Also, there is no way of checking whether the survey is completed by the right respondent.

3. Absence of Interviewer - The respondent has nobody to ask for explanations to questions that are difficult to understand. So, the respondent may feel demotivated to complete the survey.

Here are some of the online survey tools that you can use for free:

v  Kwik Surveys - It allows you to create online surveys, quizzes and polls for free and unlimited. It requires a sign up.

v  Obsurvey - This is a powerful and free online survey maker that helps you create a survey, polls and questionnaires with ease. It requires a sign up.

v  SurveyMonkey - It allows you to create any type of survey—from simple to sophisticated using their powerful and builder. It requires a sign up.

v  Google Forms - You can make a survey or poll, or collect other information using Google Forms.

References:

      Tarun, I., ICT and Entrepreneurship 6, pp 46-48