Review article
https://doi.org/10.38003/sv.75.1.6
Methodological and ethical dilemmas of collecting data via online surveys in education reasearch
Tomislav Topolovčan
; Faculty of Teacher Education, University of Zagreb
Snježana Dubovicki
; Faculty of Education, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek
Abstract
Starting from the premise that scientific paradigms are philosophically determined, and not by research methods, the paper critically analyses the characteristics of online survey research in pedagogy using a theoretical and comparative approach. Attention is paid to data collection via surveys, the quantitative approach, sampling, and research ethics. Sample representativeness is (almost) impossible to achieve, since these are mainly types of intentional samples. Samples of such research deviate from the established classification of random samples. Ethical dilemmas of (survey) online research are visible, such as anonymity, confidentiality, and informed consent. Therefore, the challenge of developing a new categorization and systematization of random samples and ethical protocols for conducting online survey research is anticipated. By advocating pluralism in scientific paradigms and encouraging a triangulation approach in pedagogical research, we are moving away from the traditional positivist approach that still prevails in educational research and introducing unjustifiably neglected research methods. The above would significantly influence the necessary methodological development of pedagogy in Croatia.
Keywords
didactics, pedagogy, quantitative methodology, research method, research samples
Hrčak ID:
351673
URI
Publication date:
25.6.2026.
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