A Review of Modern Electronic Quantitative Survey Methods of Sociological Research

This article presents an analysis of the dynamics of the formation and current state of the market of sociological services in Russia. The history of the emergence and use of electronic survey methods by research companies. The main researchers engaged in the study and application of Internet surveys in Russia and abroad are listed. The differentiation of research on the Internet (broadcasting, phenomenological and innovative) is presented. An attempt is made to review modern quantitative survey methods of sociological research that have appeared in recent years in Russia and abroad. Quantitative surveys based on the use of telephone and computer are considered: telephone surveys using a computer (SATI), personal interviews using a computer (CAPI), tracking studies (CATI2web). The article provides an overview of the main quantitative survey methods based on the use of the Internet: e-mail-survey; web-survey; surveys through social networks, forums, in groups; surveys based on free and paid platforms; online panels. The main advantages, limitations, disadvantages, and ways to overcome them using each of these types of electronic research are characterized. The principles of application of the concept “modular surveys”, the management of remuneration for completing the questionnaire, the inclusion of verification questions, and changes in the design of questionnaires using infographics are described. The possibility of implementing the functions of timing control, control, kapcha, and routing technology are considered. Combined technologies based on the use of mobile communication and the Internet are reviewed: mobile surveys (via SMS, java-applications, filling out questionnaires via the mobile Internet) and surveys by QR-code. The experience is analyzed of development and conducting surveys using elements of computer games and the principles of gamification: in the form of research games, gamification, games, entertainment, quests. The positive and negative aspects of their use in sociology are considered.

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