Online data collection from video game players: methodological issues.
The paper outlines the advantages and disadvantages of using the Internet to collect data concerning both online and offline gamers. Drawing from experience of a number of studies carried out online by the authors and by reviewing the available literature, the authors discuss the main issues concerning data collected from video game players. The paper examines a number of areas, including recruiting and utilizing participants, validity, suitable methods of data collection (i.e., questionnaire studies, online tests, participant observation, online interviews), and ethical issues. It is concluded that online research methods can be a useful way of examining the psychosocial aspects of video game playing.
Wood
Richard T A
RT
Division of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom. Richard.Wood@ntu.ac.uk
Griffiths
Mark D
MD
Eatough
Virginia
V
D003625:Data Collection / Q000941:ethics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D032984:Ethics, Research; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000941:ethics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D009862:Online Systems / Q000941:ethics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018579:Patient Selection; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D006113:United Kingdom; D018910:Video Games / Q000941:ethics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*