Online surveys: comparative tool analysis for the creation and administration of e-surveys

Introduction: The availability of a wide range of tools for collecting data through online surveys (e-surveys) offers new opportunities for users to choose them. However, it also makes the choice process more difficult. It becomes relevant to map the best existing tools and analyze them through the lens of uniform objective criteria. Method: It carries out an exploratory search, based on secondary data, to map the existing e-survey tools. It creates an analysis grid and applies to 15 tools selected from the initial mapping. After, it applies a grid of comparative evaluation and scoring to 10 tools chosen from the 15 analyzed . Results: It provides a systematic and updated survey of the existing e-survey tools and it presents a scored evaluation of its main features. It summarizes the main characteristics and functionalities of the three best-rated tools (SurveyMonkey, SurveyGizmo and SoGoSurvey), providing potential users with relevant data to make an informed choice. Conclusions: It highlights the need for a methodical evaluation of e-survey tools since there are several tools with very similar characteristics. It also highlights the need to consider the user's requirements and the objectives of the questionnaire during this assessment. This paper will have a high potential for practical use by researchers, students or professionals in the private sector who need to work with e-surveys.Introdução: A disponibilidade de uma grande panóplia de ferramentas para a recolha de dados através de inquéritos online (e-surveys) oferece novas oportunidades de escolha aos utilizadores mas também dificulta o processo de seleção. Neste sentido, torna-se relevante mapear as ferramentas existentes e analisá-las à lente de critérios objetivos uniformes. Método: Foi realizada uma pesquisa exploratória, com base em dados secundários, para mapeamento das ferramentas de e-surveys existentes. Foi criada e aplicada uma grelha de análise a 15 ferramentas selecionadas num mapeamento inicial. Foi criada uma grelha de avaliação comparativa e de pontuação aplicada a 10 ferramentas escolhidas de entre as 15 analisadas. Resultados: É proporcionado um levantamento sistemático e atualizado das ferramentas de e-surveys existentes e apresentada uma avaliação pontuada das suas principais funcionalidades. São sintetizadas as principais características e funcionalidades das três ferramentas melhor pontuadas (SurveyMonkey, SurveyGizmo e SoGoSurvey), proporcionando aos potenciais utilizadores dados relevantes para que façam uma escolha informada. Conclusão: É evidenciada a necessidade de uma avaliação metódica das ferramentas de e-surveys, dada a existência de muitas ferramentas com características semelhantes. Destaca-se a importância de atender aos condicionalismos do utilizador e aos objetivos da aplicação do questionário. A presente pesquisa terá elevadas potencialidades de uso prático por parte de investigadores, estudantes ou profissionais do setor privado que necessitem de trabalhar com e-surveys

Internetiküsitlus Eesti Rahvusringhäälingu auditooriumiuuringute näitel: metodoloogiline analüüs

Title: Methodological Analysis of Web Surveys: The Example of Estonian Public Broadcasting Audience Surveys. The Internet, and technology in general, are shaping several aspects of our daily lives — including the way surveys are conducted. We can see that different research methods have found their way to the Internet; what is more, the data presented in this thesis indicates that web surveys are widely used. The thesis at hand sets out to explore the methodological point of view of web surveys. Importance of this topic is enhanced by the fact that web surveys are often used by people with little survey experience. A web survey’s sampling can be unforeseeably large, often creating an illusion of very accurate and good quality results. Web surveys offer a large number of options that can be beneficial for those who know how to utilize them. For example, one advantage appears already in the course of questionnaire creation: a surveyor can choose between numerous audiovisual elements and use them to simplify the realization of their survey goal. For example, Estonian Public Broadcasting was able to carry out a survey where the respondents were asked to assess audio clips. On the other hand, it is important to identify the line beyond which the option to add elements might have an unwanted effect on the results. Web survey designs are made up of several important and specific nuances: what is the proper response format, how to avoid multiple submissions, what is the most appropriate color solution etc. The best part of methodological researches that tackle the subject of web surveys investigate sampling creation strategies. The Internet provides a surveyor with a multitude of methods for respondents’ recruitment, both probability-based and non-probability-based. In general, web surveys are not considered to be an appropriate method of research; however, if the surveyor wishes to represent the whole population, a web survey can be part of a mixed-mode survey. This kind of survey was used, for example, in the most recent population and housing census in Estonia. Nonetheless, the target groups’ access to the Internet is imperative to the success of a web survey. In Estonia, ca ¾ of the population uses the Internet, net surfing and browsing is more popular among younger age groups, but the users’ age difference is diminishing. Though the response rate is an important aspect of quantitative surveys, this paper does not give a clear overview of this particular data. Using literature as basis for such assessments is complicated, because researchers define the term differently; neither can one rely on options provided by surveys, because these are not homogenous. What is more, response activity (rate) is affected by numerous other factors, making it difficult to identify a specific method’s influence. Various influencing factors have been summarized in the chapter about response rate. It is simpler to obtain data about response rates of web panel samplings, because recruiters have access to survey invite recipients’ figures. For the most part, web surveys function as cheap and swift means of research; however, people can easily neglect the matter of results’ quality. The chapter about quality looks into this issue more thoroughly — examples from the USA show that providers of web survey panels have been exposed to external pressure, which, in the end, has undermined the quality of survey results. It is important to emphasize that web survey clients (the party ordering a survey) should learn more about the specifics of web surveys and related samplings. Also, survey clients and providers should work hand in hand to uplift web panel participants’ interest and will to partake. Abuse of e-mail addresses that have been added to databases for purposes unrelated to research can cause negative attitude towards web surveys and ultimately damage the practice’s success.http://tartu.ester.ee/record=b2612091~S1*es

Community and service provider views to inform the 2013 WHO consolidated antiretroviral guidelines:key findings and lessons learnt

Objective:The objective was to evaluate community and healthcare worker (HCW) values and preferences on key topics to inform the development of the 2013 WHO consolidated guidelines for antiretroviral therapy in low and middle income countries. Design:Cross-sectional e-survey and e-forum discussion; focus group discussions (FGDs) Methods:Data were collected on community perspectives regarding a range of potential clinical and operational recommendations in the 2013 guidelines between November 2012 and January 2013 through an e-survey (n = 1088) and e-forum (n = 955). Additional FGDs were held with people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Malawi and Uganda (n = 88) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) use among pregnant women. Two surveys were also undertaken on similar topics covered in the e-survey for health care workers caring for adults (n = 98) and children (n = 348). Results:There were 1088 e-survey respondents from 117 countries: of whom 37.7% (298/791) were females, 49.9% (431/864) PLHIV, and 20.9% (174/831) from low-income countries. The proportion of e-survey respondents who supported raising the CD4 T-cell threshold for ART initiation in adults from 350 to 500 cells/μl was 51.0% (355/696), and regardless of CD4 T-cell count for all pregnant females 89.8% (607/676), HIV serodiscordant partners 71.9% (486/676), and all children on diagnosis of infection 47.4% (212/447). E-survey respondents strongly supported discontinuing use of stavudine (72.7%, 416/572), task-shifting/sharing from doctors to nurses (75.2%, 275/365) and from nurses to community health workers (71.1%, 261/367) as strategies to expand access to HIV testing, care, and treatment. Focus group discussion respondents identified service capacity, and social and legal concerns as key considerations influencing the decisions of women living with HIV to continue ART after the risk of vertical transmission has passed. Key lessons learnt in these consultations included the need for piloting and validation of questions; sufficient time to adequately disseminate the survey; and consideration of using FGDs and mobile phone technology to improve participation of people with limited internet access. Conclusion:Community participation in guideline development processes is important to ensure that their perspectives are considered in the resulting recommendations. Communities should be actively involved in the adaptation, implementation, and accountability processes related to the guidelines

Perceptions of Universal Ballet Delivery Systems

A total of 412 registered voters in the Bethel, Dillingham, and Kusilvak Census Areas completed surveys with ISER interviewers in March and April of 2018. The majority (74%) of respondents reported their race as Alaska Native and 13% were White. Near the beginning of the survey, interviewers asked respondents how they preferred to receive their ballot and 60% said they preferred to get it in person on Election Day, 21% would prefer to receive it by mail, and 17% would prefer to receive their ballot online. After respondents heard a description of three voting methods being considered: 1) keep voting the way it is now; 2) mail out and mail back; and 3) receive ballot in the mail and have different ways to return it their preferences changed somewhat. Of the three methods, keep voting the way it is now was the first choice by 49% of respondents, followed by 36% for option 3, and 14% for option 2. Respondents had little experience with voting methods other than in-person. When asked what made it difficult for them and other members of their community to vote, personal reasons, such as being sick or out of town, was the most frequent (37%) response. About two-thirds (64%) reported personal reasons made it difficult for people in their community to vote followed by 46% saying that the ballot being written in English made it difficult for people in their community. Over half (56%) of respondents reported they are satisfied with their mail service, only 17% of those who were satisfied said they would prefer to receive or return their ballot by mail.Objectives of the Study / Summary / Background / Survey Findings / Methods/ Notes for Users of this Report / Conclusions / References / Appendix A: Voter turnout in Anchorage Municipality General Elections, 2008 - 2018 / Appendix B. Precincts and Communities within Census Areas / Appendix C. Preliminary Findings Report (May 7, 2018) / Appendix D. Survey Announcement Letter / Appendix E. Survey Reminder Postcard / Appendix F. Consent Form / Appendix G. Survey Questionnair

Exploring perceptions and attitudes towards teaching and learning manual technical drawing in a digital age

This paper examines the place of manual technical drawing in the 21st century by discussing the perceived value and relevance of teaching school students how to draw using traditional instruments, in a world of computer aided drafting (CAD). Views were obtained through an e-survey, questionnaires and structured interviews. The sample groups represent professional CAD users (e.g. engineers, architects); university lecturers; Technology Education teachers and student teachers; and school students taking Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) Graphic Communication courses. An analysis of these personal views and attitudes indicates some common values between the various groups canvassed of what instruction in traditional manual technical drafting contributes towards learning. Themes emerge such as problem solving, visualisation, accuracy, co-ordination, use of standard conventions, personal discipline and artistry. In contrast to the assumptions of Prensky's thesis (2001a&b) of digital natives, the study reported in this paper indicate that the school students apparently appreciate the experience of traditional drafting. In conclusion, the paper illustrates the perceived value of such learning in terms of transferable skills, personal achievement and enjoyment

Online surveys-possibilities, pitfalls and practicalities: the experience of the TELA evaluation.

Surveys are a commonly used strategy for gaining insights into teacher perspectives. They are often seen as cost effective in terms of time and resources required, but the challenges involved in conducting and processing paper-based surveys can be considerable. Online surveys offer an alternative, particularly now that people have better access to computers and the Internet, and also since the available software has recently become more user-friendly and in some cases, free to the user. In this paper, the research process used in a large longitudinal evaluation study is discussed, where teachers increasingly opted to participate in an online survey in preference to a paper survey. The possibilities of choosing to use an online survey were attractive but they came with pitfalls. The practical strategies that proved effective in engaging teachers in an online survey process and in managing online responses are discussed and considered in the light of current research literature

Thrust Joint Manipulation Utilization by Us Physical Therapists

Study Design: Online survey study. Objective: To determine physical therapists’ utilization of thrust joint manipulation (TJM) and their comfort level in using TJM between the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions of the spine. We hypothesized that physical therapists who use TJM would report regular use and comfort providing it to the thoracic and lumbar spines, but not so much for the cervical spine. Background: Recent surveys of first professional physical therapy degree programs have found that TJM to the cervical spine is not taught to the same degree as to the thoracic and lumbar spines. Methods: We developed a survey to capture the required information and had a Delphi panel of 15 expert orthopedic physical therapists reviewed it and provide constructive feedback. A revised version of the survey was sent to the same Delphi panel and consensus was obtained on the final survey instrument. The revised survey was made available to any licensed physical therapists in the USA using an online survey system, from October 2014 through June 2015. Results: Of 1014 responses collected, 1000 completed surveys were included for analysis. There were 478 (48%) males; the mean age of respondents was 39.7 ± 10.81 years (range 24 – 92); and mean years of clinical experience was 13.6 ± 10.62. A majority of respondents felt that TJM was safe and effective when applied to lumbar (90.5%) and thoracic (91.1%) spines; however, a smaller percentage (68.9%) felt that about the cervical spine. More therapists reported they would perform additional screening prior to providing TJM to the cervical spine than they would for the lumbar and thoracic spine. Therapists agreed they were less likely to provide and feel comfortable with TJM in the cervical spine compared to the thoracic and lumbar spine. Finally, therapists who are male; practice in orthopedic spine setting; are aware of manipulation clinical prediction rules; and have manual therapy certification, are more likely to use TJM and be comfortable with it in all 3 regions. Conclusion: Results indicate that respondents do not believe TJM for the cervical spine to be as safe and efficacious as that for the lumbar and thoracic spines. Further, they are more likely to perform additional screening, abstain from and do not feel comfortable performing TJM for the cervical spine. Clinical Relevance: Our research reveals there is a discrepancy between utilization of TJM at different spinal levels. This research provides an opportunity to address variability in clinical practice among physical therapists utilizing TJM

The Impact of Invasive Plants on the Recreational Value of Florida's Coastal, Freshwater and Upland Natural Areas

This study examines the impact of invasive plants on recreational activities on Floridas coastal, freshwater and upland natural areas using a multi-attribute utility (MAU) model. Six MAU surveys were electronically distributed to Florida residents in early 2007. We specified a conditional Logit model to estimate the relative weights associated with a change in Fees, Invasive Species, Native Animal Species, Native Plant Species, and Facilities. Using Fees as a payment vehicle, we estimate the average Florida residents marginal willingness to pay for changes to attributes, including having fewer invasive plants and more positive attributes such as facilities and the presence of native animal and plant species. Florida residents have a marginal willingness to pay to reduce invasive plant species between $5.81 7.15, which is higher than their willingness to pay to improve park facilities or increase the abundance of native plants or animals.Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

Bullying in middle school: the role of school counselors and teachers in preventing bullying

Master's Project (M.Ed.) University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2017Research suggests that bullying is a problem in schools throughout the nation. Children spend the vast majority of their life attending school. School counselors and teachers are in a unique position to identify, prevent and educate students about bullying. The purpose of this project was to examine the role of school counselors and teachers in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District (FNSBSD) in preventing bullying in their schools. The participants of this study were 8 school counselors and teachers from four middle schools in the FNSBSD. Data for this research was collected using an anonymous online survey utilizing www.SurveyMonkey.com. The results of the survey indicated that bullying is an issue in the four middle schools selected for the study in FNSBSD. Of the four major types of bullying discussed in my research (cyber, relation, physical, and verbal), there was a consensus among the participants that cyber and relational bullying were the most prevalent and problematic in their schools. Recommendations for future research include expanding on this study to include a larger sample of schools and participants, suggestions for strengthening staff training and implementing school based youth courts in FNSBSD schools as part of the bully intervention and prevention program