The course deals with the challenge of using the World Wide Web for survey data collection. Although Web surveys are sometimes perceived as a questionable survey mode, the experiences over the 15 years of their usage show that they can be used in a valid and reliable way for many research purposes. The instructors will provide participants with the basic principles of implementing Web surveys in order to collect survey data of adequate quality. In the introduction, participants will be presented with the history of computer-assisted survey data collection and its varieties, the typology of Web surveys as one of the recently developed computer-assisted modes, and the advantages and disadvantages of Web surveys in the context of their usage. Then, principles of implementing Web surveys will be presented through the steps of the internet survey process. Problems of coverage and sampling, nonresponse, and measurement issues will be addressed accordingly. Special attention will be given to aspects of instrument design for Web surveys, drawing on empirical results from experiments and practical experience. Students will also be introduced to the variety of survey packages for implementing Web surveys and have the opportunity to conduct their own survey project using one of these packages. The course will conclude by addressing ethical issues in conducting surveys on the Web.  

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