Reliability and validity of an Internet traumatic stress survey with a college student sample.
The reliability and validity of Internet-based questionnaires were assessed in a sample of undergraduates (N = 411) by comparing data collected via the Internet with data collected in a more traditional format. A 2 x 2 x 2 repeated measures factorial design was used, forming four groups: Paper-Paper, Paper-Internet, Internet-Paper, and Internet-Internet. Scores on measures of trauma exposure, depression, and posttraumatic stress symptoms formed the dependent variables. Statistical analyses demonstrated that the psychometric properties of Internet-based questionnaires are similar to those established via formats that are more traditional. Questionnaire format and presentation order did not affect rates of psychological symptoms endorsed by participants. Researchers can feel comfortable that Internet data collection is a viable--and reliable--means for conducting trauma research.
Fortson
Beverly L
BL
Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA. beverlyf@usca.ed
Scotti
Joseph R
JR
Del Ben
Kevin S
KS
Chen
Yi-Chuen
YC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014903:West Virginia