Research Methodology

Abstract

The Survey2000 Project is the largest and most comprehensive Internet-based social science survey to date. Along with generating interesting data about geographic mobility, feelings of community, and culinary, literary, and musical tastes, the experience of operating a survey with Internet tools has set into sharp relief important methodological issues of sample size, representation, and generalization. The authors argue that Internet-based survey research can yield meaningfully comparable data about both Internet users and larger populations.

Rock Climbers’ Self-Perceptions of First Aid, Safety, and Rescue Skills

“…While the WWW offers major advantages over more conventional survey techniques, there are some concerns with this approach (eg, sampling bias due to qualified individuals not accessing the Internet 11 and use of a nonrandom and nonrepresentative sample). 12 Internet surveys along with more traditional methods of data collection can only collect information from respondents who choose to participate. However, unique to Web-based surveys is the potential for low response rates, as well as the difficulty of gathering any infor- mation about nonrespondents.…”

“…While the WWW offers major advantages over more conventional survey techniques, there are some concerns with this approach (eg, sampling bias due to qualified individuals not accessing the Internet 11 and use of a nonrandom and nonrepresentative sample). 12…”

Making a Difference With Interactive Technology: Considerations in Using and Evaluating Computerized Aids for Diabetes Self-Management Education

“…1 The Internet is becoming increasingly accessible to groups that previously had limited access. 2,3 Current technology allows for more active involvement by users who can plug information into a computer, a telephone, or a portable device and receive individually tailored audio or visual feedback in seconds.…”

Festival campers, the environment and the blended festivalscape

“…Access to a large existing e-database (the Woodfordia Mail email listing) of past festivalgoers (33,114 addresses), provided a clear advantage in terms of cost, privacy considerations and convenience of arrangements in undertaking this research. This closed population database (Schonlau et al, 2002;Witte et al, 2000) was made up of a large number of members of the population, and therefore, while being considered a purposive sample, can also be perceived as being indicative of the larger population . For the purposes of this study sample frame is defined as festivalgoers who have camped at the Woodford Folk Festival who are 18 years of older and continue to show a current interest in the Festival through their participation in the Woodfordia Mail e-newsletter.…”