Article

Patterns of Response and Nonresponse from Teachers to Traditional and Web Surveys

Author
  • Craig A. Mertler

Abstract

This paper discusses the results of a study comparing the psychometric qualities of two forms of an identical survey: one administered in paper-and-pencil format and the other administered in Web format. Two groups of teachers were surveyed. One group received a paper-and-pencil version of the survey; the other group was directed to a Web-based version of the survey. While the rates of response were quite discrepant, the respective measures of reliability were extremely similar for the two versions of the survey. Similarly, there were no significant differences between the two groups on any of the seven subscales, nor on the total score. A follow-up survey was conducted with the nonrespondents in the Web group in order to investigate reasons behind their decision not to complete the survey. Several methodological issues are raised as a result of the follow-up. Accessed 33,904 times on https://pareonline.net from October 07, 2003 to December 31, 2019. For downloads from January 1, 2020 forward, please click on the PlumX Metrics link to the right.

Keywords: Research Methodology, Response Rates [Questionnaires], Surveys, World Wide Web

How to Cite:

Mertler, C. A., (2002) “Patterns of Response and Nonresponse from Teachers to Traditional and Web Surveys”, Practical Assessment, Research, and Evaluation 8(1): 22. doi: https://doi.org/10.7275/2kdf-g675

Downloads:
Download PDF
View PDF

210 Views

44 Downloads