NEW: Updated Memo on Using Internet Panels for Research

Feb. 17, 2025

The SRC recently updated its guidance to Princeton researchers on using Internet panels for their research. Online panels have become a popular and cost-effective alternative to traditional survey methods, but they come with challenges related to representativeness, response quality, and fraudulent participation. Our updated memo argues that while opt-in panels are useful for experiments and general research, recruited panels based on probability sampling remain the gold standard for obtaining academically respected, high-quality survey data.