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Collecting behavioural data using the world wide web: considerations for researchers
S D Rhodes1, D A Bowie, K C Hergenrather
1The Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of North Carolina School of Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. Scott_Rhodes@unc.edu
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
|December 20, 2002
Summary
Web-based behavioral data collection offers advantages like broad reach and cost reduction, but faces challenges in sampling and the digital divide. Ethical considerations such as privacy and informed consent are crucial for effective online research.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science Research
- Internet-Based Research
Background:
- Web-based data collection is increasingly utilized in behavioral science.
- Understanding its benefits and drawbacks is essential for researchers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and describe the advantages, challenges, and ethical considerations of web-based behavioral data collection.
Main Methods:
- Discussion based on authors' experiences in survey development, study design, respondent recruitment, and internet research.
- Literature review of others' experiences in online research.
Main Results:
- Advantages include rapid access to diverse populations, increased respondent openness, student research opportunities, and reduced costs.
- Challenges involve sampling representativeness, respondent attention, and the digital divide, literacy, and disability issues.
- Ethical considerations encompass anonymity, privacy, informed consent, and potential malfeasance.
Conclusions:
- Computer-mediated communication, including the web, will be vital for future behavioral science research.
- Concerns about web-based research are valid but may diminish with wider internet access.
- The web offers unique access to hidden populations and addresses common survey research criticisms.