ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on overviewing online surveys by discussing basic surveys tools that can be used in research. It discusses the different distribution channels: discussion fora, mailing lists, social networking sites as well as emails, and assesses their usefulness. The chapter examines the challenges that researchers face relating to accessing various types of online communities when administering the survey. It helps to understand how online surveys can be used in tourism research. There are three types of surveys that can be used on the internet: an email survey; a questionnaire sent as an attachment; and a web-based questionnaire. In order to validate the survey instrument, a pilot study is always recommended. Other aims of the pilot study are to assess: the mode of distribution; the length of the questionnaire; and the feasibility of conducting a survey online: its response rate, dropout rate and perception of the survey.
