Is That Your Final Answer? Sampling via Discussion Lists

Abstract

Informal requests for survey-type information have been posted to discussion lists from the time such groups developed. A sample query was posted to MEDLIB-L to examine the efficiency of the technique and range of responses. Querying this select list resulted in a small response (as a percentage of the whole list) but the open-ended portion of the query did provide useful information. Within limitations, sampling of discussion list members has value as an adjunct research tool.

Key Words:

• Discussion lists
• MEDLIB-L
• questionnaires
• surveys