Magazine‐distributed questionnaires for exploratory research: Advantages and problems

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Abstract
Although an increasing number of studies based on a magazine‐distributed questionnaire (MDQ) are being done, no formal discussion of the method can be found in the literature. Several problems are posed by MDQ research. Because of the problem of self‐selection bias, findings cannot be generalized and it is therefore essential to recognize and emphasize the exploratory role of the method. This paper is the first formal discussion of the potential efficiency of the magazine‐distributed questionnaire (MDQ) method for exploratory research in the social sciences. Easy access to respondents, low cost, speedy results, and confidentiality are potential advantages. Several aspects of the method for social science research are illustrated using information from a research project on self‐care children.