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Web-based surveys as an alternative to traditional mail methods
Christopher M Fleming1, Mark Bowden
1School of Economics, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia. c.fleming@uq.edu.au
Journal of Environmental Management
|December 18, 2007
Summary
Web-based surveys are a viable alternative to mail surveys for environmental economists. This study found no significant differences in response rates, demographics, or consumer surplus estimates between the two methods for valuing Fraser Island visits.
Area of Science:
- Environmental economics
- Survey methodology
- Ecological valuation
Background:
- Environmental economists traditionally use surveys to gauge public preferences.
- Web-based surveys present a novel method for data collection.
- Concerns exist regarding potential sampling biases in web surveys and their impact on valuation estimates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of web-based versus mail surveys in environmental economic research.
- To assess potential sampling biases and their effect on valuation estimates using different survey modes.
- To evaluate the reliability of web-based surveys as an alternative to traditional methods.
Main Methods:
- A travel cost questionnaire was administered to visitors of Fraser Island, Australia.
- Two survey administration modes were employed: conventional mail and web-based.
- Statistical analysis was used to compare response rates, respondent demographics, and consumer surplus estimates.
Main Results:
- Response rates did not differ significantly between mail and web-based survey groups.
- The socio-demographic profiles of respondents were statistically similar across both survey modes.
- Consumer surplus estimates derived from both survey methods were comparable.
Conclusions:
- Web-based surveys are a reliable and effective alternative to mail surveys in environmental economics.
- The findings suggest that web-based surveys do not introduce significant sampling biases affecting valuation estimates.
- This study supports the use of web-based surveys for preference data collection in ecological valuation studies.
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