Usability and Implementation Issues in Online Surveys

The main intention of the guide on usability and implementation issues in online surveys is to formulate three essential recommendations which may guide through the process of implementing and conducting an online survey.

The second part of the paper elaborates on these recommendations by listing practical guidelines for different stages in the process of conducting the online survey. The bibliography serves as a starting point for readers who look for a broader understanding of online surveys and empirical data. It also includes links to other guidelines. This brief guide does not claim to be an exhaustive compilation of all noteworthy guidelines or recommendations. Still, situations may occur where exceptions from these guidelines are appropriate. The following guidelines are explained in the full paper:

1. Search for already developed questionnaires and scales
2. Use the same set of demographical questions for all of your surveys.
3. Make it as short as possible.
4. Use as few answer types as possible and be consistent.
5. Choose a software solution that meets your needs.
6. Do not introduce problems in your online questionnaire which would not occur in a paper and pencil questionnaire.
7. Avoid forcing any answer. Avoid hard edit controls
8. Avoid drop-down-menus
9. Randomize the sequence of your items.
10. Avoid scrolling
11. Implement filters where appropriate
12. Use your corporate design
13. Run pretests with the online survey
14. When implementing list-based sampling by e-mail: Make your e-mail invitations suit their environment.
15. When implementing an intercept survey: Make your intercept survey suit its environment

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