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The Internet and Opinion Measurement: Surveying Marginalized Populations

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  • Nadine S. Koch
  • Jolly A.. Emrey

Abstract

Objective. Problems of self‐selection, selection bias, and response rates have greatly limited the use and validity of on‐line surveys. This study addresses those issues by examining population data for a group of Internet users who responded to a series of on‐line surveys, enabling the calculation of both response rate and selection bias. Methodology. A series of surveys were posted on a gay/lesbian website. We compare demographic data collected from our study sample with national data on gays/lesbians. A logistic regression model was used to determine if differences existed between participants and nonparticipants. Results. The study sample of gays/lesbians comported well with the national sample. Demographic characteristics of those electing to participate in the surveys and nonparticipants are practically indistinguishable. The response rate to our on‐line surveys was approximately 16.4 percent, similar to that in nontargeted mail surveys. Conclusions. The results indicate that, despite its limitations, the Internet can be a valuable medium in reaching populations difficult to identify using standard survey research techniques.

Suggested Citation

  • Nadine S. Koch & Jolly A.. Emrey, 2001. "The Internet and Opinion Measurement: Surveying Marginalized Populations," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 82(1), pages 131-138, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:82:y:2001:i:1:p:131-138
    DOI: 10.1111/0038-4941.00012
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    Cited by:

    1. Divine Ikenwilo & Sebastian Heidenreich & Mandy Ryan & Colette Mankowski & Jameel Nazir & Verity Watson, 2018. "The Best of Both Worlds: An Example Mixed Methods Approach to Understand Men’s Preferences for the Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms," The Patient: Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Springer;International Academy of Health Preference Research, vol. 11(1), pages 55-67, February.
    2. John Baker & John Playle & Pauline Nelson & Karina Lovell, 2010. "An evaluation of the impact of the recommendations of the Chief Nursing Officer’s (England) Review of Mental Health Nursing in Mental Health Trusts and Universities in England: findings from stage one," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 19(17‐18), pages 2590-2600, September.
    3. Dewaele Alexis & Caen Maya & Buysse Ann, 2014. "Comparing Survey and Sampling Methods for Reaching Sexual Minority Individuals in Flanders," Journal of Official Statistics, Sciendo, vol. 30(2), pages 1-25, June.

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