The other panels are recruited by carefully controlled direct methods to ensure that only qualified panelists are enrolled. With Icion software quota samples can be designed representative of target populations. The software can simultaneously balance samples by variables such as geography, gender, age, income, and ethnicity, with random selection of respondents within each sample cell. The Decision Analyst webserver has an assigned security code where questions and answers can be viewed as respondents submit their results. Internet panels are better quality than telephone surveys or mall-intercepts according to the company.
Respondents take an Internet survey at a time of their own choosing.
Every interview is conducted precisely the same way, without interviewer bias or error. Individuals can take as much time as they need to think about the answer to a question. Pictures, sounds, and video can be incorporated into the online questionnaire. Panelists are diligent in answering survey questions because they are paid fairly for their time. Internet questionnaires can be longer and more detailed than telephone or mall-intercept surveys because of the incentives offered.