The use of an online survey to speed up the data collection process

Abstract

On social media era like nowadays, people are more connected to their gadgets rather than meet in a direct interaction. Therefore, in many research situations, using an online survey will be an advantageous option. Respondents may use their available spare time to participate in the survey. This paper was prepared using a compilation of the author previous studies in which the data collections were conducted using both an online survey and direct survey. In general, the results from both survey approaches were similar. No statistically significant difference between them. By distributing the questionnaires through social media group such as Whatsapp, Line, Blackberry Messenger or through a mailing list, the questionnaires can be spread to thousands of potential participants. Many free applications such as Google Docs, Monkey Survey, etc are available online. Off course online survey will be suitable only for questionnaires with minimum needs of explanation regarding the items and the procedure to fill out the instruments. More complex surveys requiring direct interaction with the researchers such as in-depth interview is not suitable to be conducted online.