Statement on the use of online surveys
Over the past decade, the use of online surveys (e.g. “Survey Monkey”, “Qualtrics”, and “Google Forms”) has increased considerably. The easy and quick access to countless people for a minimal cost make online survey a preferable option for cross-sectional research. The student community, primarily the university students, has been the ideal one to apply this technique using a Listserv created for institutional purposes. With the expansion of the use of technology, social networks and, more recently the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of online surveys has applied to the general population.
Although there are benefits of using technology for research, we know that this methodology is biased by nature, as we are only targeting those with internet access and those who are comfortable navigating online surveys. A practice that is being observed more recently is configuring the polls in a way that do not advance if a question is left unanswered. This leaves the options of having to answer all the questions or having to withdraw from the study altogether. Although this practice is intended to minimize the imputed values in the analysis process, in a certain way, it may “force” a response that possibly does not represent the answer that best describes what the participant wants to select. In addition, we could unintentionally, be promoting inaccurate or unwanted answers from the participants, to obtain the monetary incentive for those completing the survey.
With the purpose of promoting research that adheres to the standards of research ethics, the Editorial Board of the Puerto Rican Journal of Psychology has been monitoring this practice due to concerns shared by participants and/or reviewers. Our objective, as a scientific journal, is not to make decisions that should be done by the researchers and/or the institutional ethics committees, who are responsible for carrying out and/or approving the research studies, respectively. However, we have a commitment to publish articles that comply with all scientific rigor, including the highest standards of research ethics, so that, in cases that we consider necessary, we could request specific information about the consent processes as part of our editorial decision process.
This recommendation takes as a reference, among other aspects, the ethical and regulatory considerations of psychological research in Puerto Rico. Namely:
Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, Board of Examiners of Psychologists of Puerto Rico (2022)
Principle VI: Well-being of people receiving services, participants, clients and patients – a) Psychologists fully inform the participant in writing of the purpose and nature of any intervention, including tests, educational procedures, training, evaluations and other services. They recognize that clients, students, and participants in psychological services and research have the freedom of participation. For this reason, they may discontinue the service or their part in the research at any time. The file must show that the client, patient or participant was oriented on this matter.
Principle IX: Research with humans and animals – c) When planning research, psychologists have a responsibility to carefully assess the ethical considerations that will determine its acceptability. To the extent that the counterweight of scientific and human values compromises any principle, the researcher takes advice and observes rigorous measures to protect the rights of human participants and the welfare of animals. e) Psychologists inform the human participant of all phases and aspects of the investigation that can reasonably be expected to influence their willingness to participate in it before obtaining their informed consent. Said consent will be duly documented. When research does not require informed consent, such as anonymous questionnaires, observations in the natural environment, or research based on archived information, psychologists consider applicable institutional standards and consult with colleagues when it considered appropriate. All research involving human subjects must be evaluated and authorized by an Institutional Review Board attached to a university or other entity authorized for such purposes.
We recognize that collecting accurate responses in a survey with limited options is challenging and many opinions are difficult to translate into alternatives or categories in surveys. We encourage researchers to be careful when designing their online surveys, to obtain answers that are sensitive and as close as possible to the diverse realities of the participants. To that end, we recommend the following practices when using online surveys:
a) Use a platform that allows programming in such a way that there is the possibility of continuing with the next question if a question is left unanswered.
b) Provide alternatives that extend the range of possibilities, including alternatives such as:
c) Clearly establish in the consent form the precise conditions of participation in the study through the survey. For example, clearly state that participation and incentive are conditional on answering all questions.
The Puerto Rican Journal of Psychology is committed to publishing articles that adhere to the highest canons of research ethics. We thank the authors and reviewers for their commitment to continue promoting quality research. If you have any doubts or questions related to this matter of online surveys, do not hesitate to contact me.
Cordially,
Mae Lynn Reyes-Rodríguez, PhD, FAED
[email protected]
Editor-in-Chief,
Revista Puertorriqueña de Psicología
Puerto Rican Journal of Psychology
https://repsasppr.net