• Section: Money Guide - Category: Online Business
• Written by Thomas Lindstr

Several professional organizations dealing with survey methods have codes of ethics (including the American Statistical Association) that prescribe rules for keeping survey responses confidential. The recommended policy for survey organizations to safeguard such confidentiality include

- Using only number codes to link the respondent to a questionnaire and storing the name-to-code linkage information separately from the questionnaires

- Refusing to give the names and addresses of survey respondents to anyone outside the survey organization, including clients

- Destroying questionnaires and identifying information about respondents after the responses have been entered into the computer

- Omitting the names and addresses of survey respondents from computer files used for analysis

- Presenting statistical tabulations by broad enough categories so that individual respondents cannot be singled out.

There are two different

types of questions that can be used to collect information. The first is called a structured or fixed response question and the second is called non-structured or open question.

A paid survey is a type of online statistical survey where the participant is rewarded through an incentive program. A paid survey is used to collect quantitative information about the participant's personal and economic habits. Often used by marketing firms to test new advertisements, they offer the participant a cash reward or entry into a sweepstakes program.

Legitimate paid surveys exist because, in order to remain competitive in their given markets, companies need a better understanding of their customers and the customers' perception of products. Surveys that are legitimate are separated by personal demographics so that the data will better apply to the target audience the marketing firm is trying to reach.

Because the corporate marketing companies need to understand consumer perceptions in-depth, they will offer incentives to survey participants. A participant will never have to pay for a legitimate paid survey.

Beware of the paid survey company that asks you to purchase products or services or to pay for shipping of merchandise in order to be paid for completing surveys.

There are many paid surveys for teens and it can be difficult to choose the right one for you. If you are under 18 it is best to get a parent or guardian to help with your selection. Use a main search engine and search paid surveys for teens then select a few sites at the top of the first page and compare. Ensure your chosen site has no adult content or adult surveys and that they are specifically aimed for the teenage population.

--End--

< Prev Article		Next Article >