Online Surveys

Responsive Management designs survey questionnaires collaboratively based on close consultation, discussion, and review with the client. After the design of the questionnaire, the survey instrument is pretested to check for proper wording, answer sets, question-flow, and logistical clarity. Revisions are made to the survey instrument after the pretest before the actual implementation of the survey. Many research firms cut costs by failing to rigorously pretest their survey instruments, which results in poor data collection. Responsive Management always conducts full evaluative pretests of survey instruments.

Appropriately designed online surveys are an effective data collection method when the sample consists of known respondents with online access (for example, an internal survey of an agency or organization in which all potential respondents have guaranteed internet access through their workplace). Online surveys are also effective in augmenting response rates when respondents contacted through another medium (such as by mail or telephone) indicate that they would prefer an alternative method of responding.

For online surveys, Responsive Management designs the questionnaire in collaboration with the client and then codes the final instrument for implementation via an online platform. Responsive Management employs a multiple-contact strategy to conduct online surveys. Respondents are first sent an email invitation to inform them of the survey and to encourage their participation. The invitation includes information about the survey, a link to the survey, and a unique identifier specific to each respondent—the unique identifier ensures that only those invited to take the survey are able to complete it (in other words, Responsive Management’s online surveys are not available simply to those surfing the internet). Additional waves of emails are used to remind non-respondents to complete the survey.

Responsive Management uses online survey design software that includes features to optimize surveys for mobile devices. Accessing the survey via a URL link while on a mobile device automatically opens the mobile-friendly version of the survey.

Responsive Management also offers options for online surveys to measure participation rates, attitudes, and trends on the national scale. These surveys typically employ a “web intercept” approach similar to a paywall, with survey participation required in exchange for access to a website (this approach avoids the bias inherent in self-selecting opt-in samples such as those used for online panel surveys). Responsive Management compares the characteristics of the online survey sample to the age, gender, and geographic makeup of the target population.

Responsive Management has conducted numerous online surveys on a range of natural resource and outdoor recreation issues.