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Published on: February 19, 2015
Online data collection with special populations over the World Wide Web
1Department of Psychology, College of Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina 29424, USA. marcellm@cofc.edu
Summary
This study explores online research methods for individuals with Down syndrome or Williams syndrome, highlighting the potential and challenges of web-based psychological experiments for special populations.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Genetics
Background:
- The World Wide Web enables multimedia experimentation online.
- Few online experiments target special populations like those with Down syndrome or Williams syndrome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To pilot online research methods for families with Down syndrome or Williams syndrome.
- To evaluate the feasibility and challenges of web-based psychological studies for special needs populations.
Main Methods:
- Conducted two online pilot studies: a survey and a memory experiment.
- Recruited participants via email lists and search engines.
- Developed online programs with Likert scales, multiple-choice, and mouse-click responses.
Main Results:
- Successfully recruited and conducted online surveys and memory tasks with special needs individuals.
- Identified technical aspects and compared online vs. lab-based research strengths and weaknesses.
- Discussed participant recruitment, data integrity, and ethical considerations.
Conclusions:
- Online experimentation is feasible for special populations, offering unique recruitment avenues.
- Future directions include using parent proxies or collaborating with labs for web-based projects.
- Addresses challenges like experimental control, participant heterogeneity, and privacy in online research.
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