Comparing Internet and Mailed Questionnaires
Author Information
Author(s): Philip Ritter, Kate Lorig, Diana Laurent, Katy Matthews
Primary Institution: Stanford University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Are Internet-based questionnaires as reliable as traditional mailed questionnaires for collecting health data?
Conclusion
Internet questionnaires are at least as reliable as mailed questionnaires and require less follow-up effort.
Supporting Evidence
- Internet questionnaires had a slightly higher completion rate compared to mailed questionnaires.
- None of the 16 instruments showed significant differences in responses between the two methods.
- Internal consistency reliability was nearly identical for both Internet and paper questionnaires.
Takeaway
This study found that using the Internet to collect health information works just as well as sending paper surveys in the mail.
Methodology
Participants were randomly assigned to complete health questionnaires online or via mailed paper versions, and their responses were compared.
Potential Biases
The study may not account for differences in demographics between those who chose Internet versus mailed questionnaires.
Limitations
The sample was a convenience sample from a population familiar with the Internet, which may not represent broader populations.
Participant Demographics
Participants had access to the Internet and included individuals with chronic diseases.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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