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.
Miller
Peter G
PG
School of Psychology, Deakin University, Waterfront Campus, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia. petermiller.mail@gmail.com
Johnston
Jennifer
J
Dunn
Matthew
M
Fry
Craig L
CL
Degenhardt
Louisa
L
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