The book's primary contribution is the integration of web survey methodology — and its distinctive features — into the broader framework of the established field of survey methodology, which has itself been evolving for over a century. An equally important contribution lies in the definition and delineation of the Core Web Survey Process, which is distinguished from both Preliminary Research Activities and Advanced Analysis, Processing and Validation. The core web survey process is then organized into three phases encompassing twelve stages:

• Pre-fielding: Mode Elaboration, Sampling, Questionnaire Preparation, Technical Preparations, Nonresponse Strategy, and General Management.
• Fielding: Processing and Monitoring, Recruiting, and Measurement.
• Post-fielding: Preliminary Results, Data Preparation, and Data Exporting and Documentation.

This clear conceptual structure enables effective treatment of each stage, supports their interconnection and integration, and allows overarching methodological principles to be applied consistently throughout the process.