Comparing the Efficacy of Electronic-Tablet to Paper-Based Surveys for On-Site Survey Administration

• Published in: International journal of social research methodology Vol. 21; no. 4; pp. 487 - 497
• Main Authors: Hassler, Kendyl, Pearce, Kelly J, Serfass, Thomas L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 04.07.2018; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Adults; Comparative Analysis; Computer Assisted Testing; Cost analysis; Costs; Efficacy; Evaluation Methods; Handheld Devices; Individual Characteristics; Polls & surveys; Printed Materials; Questionnaires; Surveys; Telecommunications; Time; Wyoming
• ISSN: 1364-5579; 1464-5300
• DOI: 10.1080/13645579.2018.1432403

This study compares cost, completion times, and percent completion of electronic tablet (n = 244) to paper-based (n = 398) questionnaires administered to participants of scenic raft trips on the Snake River, Grand Teton National Park. We hypothesized e-tablet questionnaires would (1) cost less (2) be completed faster and (3) be completely filled more frequently than paper-based questionnaires. Our survey resulted in a greater per unit cost of e-tablet compared to paper-based questionnaires ($4.17 and $1.80, respectively). Although e-tablets were completed faster (230 [±66] s) than paper questionnaires (235 [±57] s), the difference was not significant (t[subscript (641)] = 1.97, p = 0.39). E-tablets were filled completely more frequently than paper questionnaires (80% vs. 51%, respectively; ?[superscript 2] = 3.84, p < 0.01). We suggest that for multi-year projects with a sample size target of =100, and length = 5 pages, e-tablets are more cost effective and efficient than paper-based surveys.