Electronic Questionnaire

Questionnaire is a scientific tool for measuring and collecting a particular type of information. If dividing the research into three logical phases of investigation, description, proving or interpretation, questionnaire is placed in the investigation phase. Questionnaire is one of the most common techniques of data collection. Electronic questionnaires can be performed in “Web-based” or “e-mail based” forms. The major problem of these kinds of questionnaires is the access to the proper sample size from the research population and sampling in a correct way. Considering the development of information technology (IT), especially the Internet, this study reviews the various kinds of electronic questionnaires and their characteristics. Speed, wideness, ease, cost-effectiveness, editablity and optimal data processing (DP) are among the advantages of electronic questionnaires comparing with the traditional print methods. However, the lack of access to the Internet for some potential responders, or their low literacy and computer skills, can be the weak points of electronic questionnaires.