Paper Versus Web-Based Surveys: Knowing Your Audience

• In Event: Roundtable Session 46
  In Roundtable Session: Evaluation Studies Using Online and Paper Survey Research

Abstract

This study compares responses from web-based versus paper surveys of school district administrators that were collected as part of a study about the use of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dollars. Personnel from all 123 Idaho districts received one or two copies of a paper survey and up to three e-mails linked to the web-based version. A subgroup of survey recipients was interviewed about their survey mode choice. Among respondents, 45 percent returned the paper version and 55 percent replied to the web-based version. Interviewees stated a clear preference for web-based surveys but described several survey characteristics that would increase their likelihood of response. The rate of response to open-ended questions was similar across modes, although web-based responses were longer.

Authors

• Kari Nelsestuen, Education Northwest

• Matthew C. Lewis, Eastern Washington University