Why a web-based survey?

The topics and issues cover a huge expanse of information. There are few individuals who could make an informed decision on each and every item without some form of reference material. The Web offers the most diverse, inexpensive, and accessible information available so it made sense to make that wealth of information accessible from the survey.

For example, check out a typical link to more information:

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The Action Plan is a work-in-progress and so the survey instrument needed to be sensitive to changes in wording and organization.

Ex. This entire topic, formed as an amalgam of issues from other topics, only came online in mid-March.

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A paper mailing involves numerous iterations-- reminders, follow-ups, supplementary information, postage, etc.-- and there was neither the time nor the resources to engage in an expensive paper survey.

For example, the postcard mailing was paid for by DEM and so had to go through the State's bid process and printing regime. By the end, it took over 3 weeks to produce and send out.

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The Action Plan had been distributed previously in numerous settings-- via e-mail, in meetings-- and comments were repeatedly solicited. There was limited response to this method of communication. Only a handful of dedicated individuals took the time to read through the 10-page document and comment on the issues presented.

However, an online survey that takes only a few minutes to complete need not tax the respondent for time, exposure, or knowledge.

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The traditional lines of communication were well-established and functioning normally however, those methods are limited in who they can reach. If the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council's strength depends on strong membership and if the watershed approach really is looking to engage stakeholders and community-members, there needed to be an expansion of knowledge, involvement and interest.

Surveying a randomized sample, taken from the whole watershed community, was infeasible but the public nature of the Internet-- available free of charge in any library in the state-- seemed a viable alternative.

See Limitations or Justin Huxol's web rationale for more information.

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