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Web-based data collection yielded an additional response bias--but had no direct effect on outcome scales
Andreas Mayr1, Olaf Gefeller, Hans-Ulrich Prokosch
1Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Chair of Biometry and Epidemiology, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Waldstr. 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany. Andreas.Mayr@imbe.med.uni-erlangen.de
Journal of Clinical Epidemiology
|June 30, 2012
Summary
Web-based data collection in studies shows response bias, attracting younger, more educated, and male participants compared to postal surveys. However, after accounting for these differences, the study outcomes remain consistent.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Health Research Methodology
Background:
- Web-based data collection is increasingly used in health research.
- Potential biases in participant recruitment and response need careful evaluation.
- Understanding these biases is crucial for interpreting study findings accurately.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of Web-based data collection on study results.
- To differentiate between selection bias and response bias in online surveys.
- To determine if Web-based data collection affects outcome variables.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of participants from the German Weight Control Registry (GWCR).
- Comparison between participants using Web-based questionnaires (n=328) and postal surveys (n=139).
- Inclusion of an independent general population sample (n=212) to assess selection bias.
Main Results:
- GWCR participants exhibited selection bias (higher education, partnership, female, older) compared to the general population.
- Web-based participants showed response bias (younger, more educated, male) versus paper-based participants.
- No significant direct effect of Web-based data collection on outcome variables after adjusting for biases.
Conclusions:
- Web-based surveys attract different demographics than postal surveys, even in industrialized nations.
- Despite demographic differences, Web-based data collection yields comparable results to postal surveys when bias is adjusted.
- Researchers should be aware of and account for potential biases in Web-based epidemiological studies.
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