title: Web-based data collection yielded an additional response bias--but had no direct effect on outcome scales.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess and to evaluate possible effects arising from Web-based data collection on the results of a study.
  
  
  METHODS
  We analyzed participants of the German Weight Control Registry (GWCR) of whom 328 chose to use Web-based questionnaires and 139 preferred to participate via a traditional postal survey. Furthermore, we included data of 212 individuals sampled independently from the general population who fulfilled the study's inclusion criteria-giving us the chance to differentiate between response bias (concerning Web-based data collection) and general selection bias (concerning participation in the GWCR).
  
  
  RESULTS
  In addition to selection bias (GWCR participants are overall better educated, more likely to live in a partnership, more often female, and older than the general population), we also found a substantial response bias: Participants using the Internet were younger, better educated, and more often male compared with participants preferring the paper-and-pencil version. However, after adjusting for these differences, we found no additional direct effect of Web-based data collection on any of the outcome variables.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Web-based epidemiologic studies still do not attract the same participants as postal surveys, even in highly industrialized countries. However, after adjusting for this bias, the same results can be expected.
authors: Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Chair of Biometry and Epidemiology, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Waldstr. 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany. Andreas.Mayr@imbe.med.uni-erlangen.de
authors: Andreas
authors: A
authors: Mayr
authors: Olaf
authors: O
authors: Gefeller
authors: Hans-Ulrich
authors: HU
authors: Prokosch
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Pirkl
authors: Antje
authors: A
authors: Fröhlich
authors: Martina
authors: M
authors: de Zwaan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D015983:Selection Bias; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult