Final answer:
Online survey takers differ from the general public as they form self-selected samples that may not be representative, leading to less reliable survey results. Technological and demographic challenges make it hard to ensure accurate data, though organizations work to overcome these issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Online survey takers are different from the regular public because they often consist of self-selected samples. This means that the responses come only from people who choose to respond, which can lead to unreliable results. A significant issue with online surveys is that they may not provide a representative sample because they rely on voluntary participation and may be subject to multiple responses from the same person due to multiple email accounts or misrepresented demographics. Additionally, technological requirements pose challenges for online surveys as they must be compatible with various browsers and handheld devices. These factors can compromise the ability to calculate accurate response rates and reach diverse respondents.
Despite these challenges, some organizations, such as Harris Interactive, maintain an Internet pool to foster a variety of opinions from participants with varied ages and education levels. This approach is crucial for capturing the sentiment of younger demographics and providing accurate data for analysis. However, researchers and companies must consider these limitations when interpreting the results of online surveys, especially in comparison to more controlled survey methodologies, such as random sampling, which can offer a more accurate estimate of public opinion or social behavior.