Questions about Online Surveys

What is an online survey?

Surveys are an important research tool that can help us learn more about you and your thoughts, feelings, and opinions. They are a great way to gather information on what consumers think about different products or services. Surveys can also be used in conjunction with focus groups to get feedback from larger groups of people.

How is filling out a survey different than answering a questionnaire?

The difference between filling out a survey and answering a questionnaire is that the latter requires more detail in the person's answers. In response to a questionnaire, you could be asked questions like:

How satisfied were you with the overall quality of your car (on a scale of 1-10)?

How trustworthy was your last supervisor (on a scale of 1-10)?

What was your favorite part about the school vacation?

You will have to provide more details in your answers to surveys because surveys ask questions that cannot be answered with just one word. For example, if you are asked how satisfied you are with the quality of your car, you can't simply answer "satisfied" or "unhappy." You have to elaborate on what satisfaction means and who is measuring it. If you are asked about your last supervisor, you can't simply answer "trustworthy" or "untrustworthy." You have to give details about the situation that makes your response accurate.

How do I know this questionnaire/survey is truly anonymous?

We will never include any identifying information with your answers on a survey. The surveys are designed to be confidential, so all questions are mandatory and we never ask for email addresses or phone numbers. Also, surveys will never ask for sensitive personal information like your age, income, or race. We highly value confidentiality and anonymity because it is important to keep our participants from feeling uncomfortable or ashamed when they respond to sensitive questions that could fuel a stigma.

How do I know that the results of my survey will be used for research purposes only and not disclosed to anyone?

Surveys are designed to be anonymous. After completing a survey, you will receive a unique research code, which will never be linked to your name or contact information. Your results will only be used for the purpose of collecting demographics data for future research surveys or as-needed to analyze specific questions within this study. We also request that participants do not disclose the results of this study to anyone.

What are the risks of participating in a survey?

Only minimal risks are attached to participating in online surveys. The following are some examples of risks that may arise:

Discomfort or annoyance with questions you find offensive or inappropriate.

Discomfort with disclosing personal information. If you feel uncomfortable sharing personal information, simply skip over the questions that make you feel this way and go back to them later (although we do not recommend skipping questions). We do not share your email address or phone number with anyone, so this information will only be used by the researchers at CCSU (this survey is run by a research project in Communication Studies at Central Connecticut State University).

Discomfort with answering sensitive questions. If you do not want to answer a question, skip it by clicking "Skip" or "Cancel." You will be able to return to the question later, but you will not know when.

It is important to note that all of these risks are minor and should not deter you from participating in the survey. If you decide to participate in a survey, you can relax and at any point during your participation you may quit the survey if you feel uncomfortable or would prefer not to finish it.

Why do I need my permission before collecting my information through a survey?

We understand that most people may have concerns about privacy issues when providing information about themselves through an online questionnaire. We are committed to keeping your information safe from any possible misuse and will only use it for the purpose of carrying out this study.

CSU researchers have been conducting surveys online since 2006, making sure that your data is stored securely and that it is not disclosed to anyone. Once you complete the survey, the data will be transferred to a secured server at CCSU's main campus in New Britain, Connecticut. The secure server uses strong encryption and a variety of security systems, including locked doors and access cards to ensure that no one has unauthorized access to your data during transfer or when it is being stored on the server.

If you have any questions about the survey or survey procedures, you may contact the assistant principal investigator of this study, Dr. Brent Donnellan at bdonnellan@ccsu.edu or (860) 832-1225.

By clicking "I Agree" and completing this questionnaire, you are agreeing that you are 18 years of age or older and are voluntarily participating in this research project. You understand that your answers will be anonymous, but if you do not want to participate in the survey anymore, no one will hold it against you for quitting at any point during the survey's duration. You may skip questions or the entire survey at any time. You also understand that the results of this questionnaire will be used for research purposes only and will not be disclosed to anyone. Furthermore, you understand that there are minimal risks associated with participating in this survey and should you experience discomfort or any other negative effects as a result of participating, you may end your participation without penalty.

If you have any questions about your rights as a participant in this study, please contact Dr. Brent Donnellan at bdonnellan@ccsu.edu or (860) 832-1225.

You must be at least 18 years old to complete this questionnaire. If you are under 18, please go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/pof-sshiny for the parental consent form.

Your responses will be stored securely on a server at CCSU. The data will only be used for the purpose of collecting demographics data for future research surveys or as-needed to analyze specific questions within this study. We also request that participants do not disclose the results of this study to anyone.

To enter, provide the email address associated with your account and select your survey preference: Standard (only standard demographics), Flashcard (only completion time), or Answer Sheet (completion time and flashcard).

Conclusion

A number of recent research studies have demonstrated a decline in mental health as a result of singlehood, and studies have demonstrated that marriage is the most successful means to ensure long-term positive mental health. While marriage may be the most effective solution for long-term mental well-being, this solution is not always available. Therefore, it is important to understand what factors lead to increased psychological distress among single individuals. This study will examine how singlehood relates to well-being through a number of demographic variables like gender, age, income level, and race/ethnicity.