South Dakota Project: Evaluating the value of the Internet for the collection of scientific data (use, harvest and attitudes) from anglers

South Dakota Project

Evaluating the value of the Internet for the collection of scientific data (use, harvest and attitudes) from anglers

January 2012 - December 2014

Personnel

Larry Gigliotti, Principal Investigator
Kjetil Henderson, Student / Post Doc

Participating Agencies

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
CRU

Fishery managers have long recognized the need for and value of human dimensions information for managing the fisheries resources. Collecting good scientific data representative of the angling population is very expensive and takes months to collect and analyze. However, recent advances in computer technology and widespread use of the Internet by the public have generated considerable interest in using Internet-based survey methodology. The main advantages of using the Internet are speed and cost savings. However, two major factors that reduce the validity of Internet-based survey methodology are non-response bias and sample validity resulting from incomplete coverage of the target population. The main objective of this study is to identify the nature and extent of these two possible sources of bias and develop a relatively inexpensive process to correct biases associated with an Internet survey.

Research Publications

Research Publications	Publication Date
Gigliotti, L. M., and K. R. Henderson. 2015. Reasons anglers did not respond to an internet survey and evaluation of data quality. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science 94:155-170. \| Abstract \| Download	October 2015	Natural resource management agencies have traditionally used statewide mail surveys to gather information from anglers, but cost savings and faster returns occur using the internet. This study examined mail or internet fishery survey return rates and associated data by license type of South Dakota resident anglers. Junior anglers (ages 16-18; Junior Combination license) had the lowest internet and mail survey return rates (20% and 28%, respectively), followed by adult anglers (ages 19-64; Adult Fishing and Adult Combination licenses;30% and 39%, respectively), and senior anglers (ages 65+; Senior Fishing and Senior Combination licenses;42% and 66%, respectively). The three age groups were significantly different on three email use characteristics (shared email, frequency of use, and comfort level). The primary reason for not responding to the internet survey was not receiving or noticing the email request, and secondarily, being too busy to respond. Although having a relatively low response rate, data collected by the internet compared to follow-up mail surveys of internet non-respondents were similar.
Henderson, K. R., and L. M. Gigliotti. 2015. Angler satisfaction in South Dakota. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science 94:171-186.	November 2015
Henderson, K. R., and L. M. Gigliotti. 2018. Evaluation of internet surveys for conducting statewide angler surveys in South Dakota. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science, 97:45-60. \| Abstract	December 2018	Stakeholder information is critical for effective fisheries management. Agencies have traditionally used infrequent mail surveys to collect human dimensions data. Internet surveys provide cost savings but are associated with caution due to data quality issues. To improve study validity, survey access can be controlled using email invitations, but because these addresses are voluntary results may not be applicable to the entire population. Additionally, internet surveys typically have lower response rates than mail surveys, thus a greater potential for nonresponse bias. To address potential coverage and nonresponse biases, internet survey data were compared to mail surveys of anglers not providing an email address, and non-respondents to the internet survey. Internet survey data was similar to both mail surveys for most of the variables measured. Internet survey data would slightly over represent male anglers and younger anglers. Internet surveys relevant to fisheries management can provide data comparable to a mail survey.

Presentations

Presentations	Presentation Date
Gigliotti, L. M., and K. R. Henderson. 2012. Evaluating Biases Associated with Conducting an Internet Statewide Angler Survey. Pathways to Success Conference. Breckenridge, CO.	September 2012
Gigliotti, L. M., and K. R. Henderson. 2015. Reasons anglers did not respond to an internet survey and evaluation of data quality. South Dakota Academy of Science, 100th Meeting. Oacoma, SD.	April 2015
Henderson, K. and L. M. Gigliotti. 2013. Evaluating the value of the Internet for collection of scientific data (use, harvest and attitudes). Dakota Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. Bismarck, ND	February 2013
Henderson, K. and L.M. Gigliotti. 2013. Evaluating coverage bias on Internet-based angler surveys. 143rd Annual Meeting, American Fisheries Society, Little Rock, AR, 12 September 2013.	September 2013
Henderson, K. R., and Gigliotti, L.M. (2014). Angler Surveys: Internet samples can be representative. Presented at: Pathways 2014: Common Futures; Integrating Human Dimensions in to Fisheries and Wildlife Management. Estes Park, CO. October 9th	October 2014
Henderson, K. R., and L. M. Gigliotti. 2015. Angler satisfaction in South Dakota. South Dakota Academy of Science, 100th Meeting. Oacoma, SD.	April 2015
Henderson, K., and Gigliotti, L. M. (2014). Statewide angler surveys: Is an Internet sample more representative than we thought?	February 2014

Theses and Dissertations

Theses and Dissertations	Publication Date
Henderson, K.J 2014. Evaluating the value of the interest for the collection of scientific data (use, harvest, and attitudes) from anglers. M.S. Thesis, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD.	December 2014

Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: South Dakota Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources