A3 Refereed book chapter or chapter in a compilation book
Social Media, Web, and Panel Surveys: Using Non-probability Samples to Study Population Characteristics
Authors: Räsänen, Pekka; Oksanen, Atte; Lehdonvirta, Vili; Blank, Grant
Editors: Brough, Paula
Edition: 2nd Edition
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication year: 2024
Book title : Advanced Research Methods for Applied Psychology: Design, Analysis and Reporting
Journal name in source: Advanced Research Methods for Applied Psychology: Design, Analysis and Reporting, Second Edition
First page : 140
Last page: 152
ISBN: 978-1-032-42419-4
eISBN: 978-1-003-36271-5
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003362715-13(external)
Web address : https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003362715-13(external)
Abstract
The use of online surveys has grown rapidly in social and behavioural science research, surpassing more established methods. We argue that a better understanding is needed, especially of the strengths and weaknesses of non-probability online surveys that can be conducted relatively quickly and cheaply. We describe two common approaches to non-probability online surveys – river and panel sampling – and theorise their inherent selection biases: topical self-selection and economic self-selection. We conclude that non-probability online surveys do not replace probability surveys but augment the researcher’s toolkit with new digital practices, such as rapid and exploratory studies of small and emerging non-demographic subpopulations.
The use of online surveys has grown rapidly in social and behavioural science research, surpassing more established methods. We argue that a better understanding is needed, especially of the strengths and weaknesses of non-probability online surveys that can be conducted relatively quickly and cheaply. We describe two common approaches to non-probability online surveys – river and panel sampling – and theorise their inherent selection biases: topical self-selection and economic self-selection. We conclude that non-probability online surveys do not replace probability surveys but augment the researcher’s toolkit with new digital practices, such as rapid and exploratory studies of small and emerging non-demographic subpopulations.
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