Self-administered surveys

Definition

Self-administered surveys are research instruments that respondents complete on their own without the involvement of an interviewer. These surveys can be distributed through various methods, including online platforms or paper forms, making them a popular choice for gathering data in various fields, especially in health and medical research where sensitive information might be involved. This type of survey allows for greater privacy and can lead to more honest responses, as participants may feel more comfortable sharing personal or sensitive information when completing the survey themselves.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Self-administered surveys are often used in situations where sensitive information is required, such as health-related topics, as respondents may be more open when they are not being directly questioned.
2. These surveys can reduce interviewer bias since there is no personal interaction that could influence how respondents answer questions.
3. Online self-administered surveys allow for quick distribution and data collection, making them efficient for large-scale studies.
4. The design of self-administered surveys must consider factors like question clarity and layout to ensure that respondents understand the questions and provide accurate answers.
5. Self-administered surveys typically have lower costs compared to interviewer-led surveys, as they require less manpower and resources for data collection.

Review Questions

• How do self-administered surveys enhance data collection in health and medical research?
  • Self-administered surveys enhance data collection in health and medical research by providing respondents with a private setting to share potentially sensitive information. This privacy encourages honesty and openness, which is crucial when gathering data on personal health issues or behaviors. Additionally, the lack of an interviewer helps to minimize any bias that could arise from personal interactions, leading to more accurate and reliable data.
• What are the potential drawbacks of using self-administered surveys compared to traditional interviewer-led surveys?
  • While self-administered surveys have many benefits, they also come with potential drawbacks. One significant issue is the possibility of low response rates, as participants may ignore or abandon the survey if it's not engaging enough. There's also the risk of misinterpretation of questions by respondents without an interviewer present to clarify doubts. Additionally, some populations may have difficulty with self-administration due to literacy issues or lack of access to technology, limiting the effectiveness of this method in certain contexts.
• Evaluate the impact of response rates on the reliability of data obtained from self-administered surveys in health research.
  • Response rates significantly impact the reliability of data obtained from self-administered surveys in health research. Higher response rates generally indicate that the sample more accurately represents the target population, leading to more valid conclusions. Conversely, low response rates can introduce bias if certain demographics are underrepresented or if those who choose to respond differ systematically from those who do not. To ensure robust findings, researchers must implement strategies to enhance participation and address factors influencing response rates in their studies.

Related terms

Questionnaire: A structured set of questions designed to gather information from respondents in a survey.

Response Rate: The proportion of participants who complete a survey compared to the total number invited to participate.

Data Quality: The overall utility of a dataset, reflecting its accuracy, consistency, and reliability.