Comparing probability and non-probability sampling methods in Ecstasy research: implications for the internet as a research tool.
The usage of Ecstasy and related drug (ERD) has increasingly been the focus of epidemiological and other public health-related research. One of the more promising methods is the use of the Internet as a recruitment and survey tool. However, there remain methodological concerns and questions about representativeness. Three samples of ERD users in Melbourne, Australia surveyed in 2004 are compared in terms of a number of key demographic and drug use variables. The Internet, face-to-face, and probability sampling methods appear to access similar but not identical groups of ERD users. Implications and limitations of the study are noted and future research is recommended.
School of Psychology, Deakin University, Waterfront Campus, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia. petermiller.mail@gmail.com
Peter G
PG
Miller
Jennifer
J
Johnston
Matthew
M
Dunn
Craig L
CL
Fry
Louisa
L
Degenhardt
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D055030:Drug Users / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012494:Sampling Studies; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*
D013287:Illicit Drugs; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine