The development of electronic surveys: a computer language‐based method

Abstract

An important development in the processing and formatting of text has been the creation and use of markup languages, especially with the increased interest in electronic publishing and the Internet. An area being given particular attention has been the use of descriptive markup languages, which allow one to describe a text element or document in a way which is independent of its final output and form. One area which deserves greater attention in this regard is the creation of survey questionnaires, and any comprehensive markup language standard should include markups for supporting this application. This paper examines this need, and explains why a markup language approach would properly support the survey application and how it would extend the utility of the markup approach. A set of markups for survey creation are proposed which would serve as extensions to existing markup standards. The advantages and benefits of markup command languages as compared to traditional direct‐manipulation WYSIWYG approaches are also discussed.

Citation

Hsu, J. (1995), "The development of electronic surveys: a computer language‐based method", The Electronic Library, Vol. 13 No. 3, pp. 195-202. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb045361