The internet as psychological laboratory.
This chapter reviews studies published in American Psychological Association (APA) journals from 2003-2004 and additional studies (received in response to listserv requests) that used the Internet to collect data (N=121 total studies). Specific examples of three kinds of Web-based research are reviewed: (a) translational (established methods and research questions are adapted to the Web), (b) phenomenological (behavior on the Web is the focus of study), and (c) novel (methodologically innovations unique to Web-based research). Among other findings, our review indicated that 21% of APA journals published at least one article that reported on Web-based research, most Web-based psychological research uses experimental methods, a surprising number use college student samples, and deception in Web-based research is not uncommon. Strengths and weaknesses of Web-based psychological research in general, and our sample of studies in particular, are reviewed with special attention to possible concerns about sampling and the use of deception.
Skitka
Linda J
LJ
Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607-7137, USA. lskitka@uic.edu
Sargis
Edward G
EG
D003405:Creativity; D008192:Deception; D004989:Ethics; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D012919:Social Behavior; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*