Little Quick Fix: Gather Your Data Online, Janet E. Salmons

Between the comfort of using a medium they use daily and the perceived easiness of access and use, students are increasingly quick to choose online methods for their research projects. However getting data online isn’t as easy as it seems. No matter how data is collected (through existing materials, through elicited responses, or through work with participants) or what type of online data is used (e.g. blogs, websites, interviews, etc.), there are a lot of unique and complex considerations that must be factored in to every step of the research process.

This Little Quick Fix boils down all these potentially thorny issues into a speedy guide so students thinking about working with online data can be prepared for (and avoid) any unexpected circumstances like access issues or ethical dilemmas. It will also help students decide what, if any, online data is best suited to their particular research question so they don’t end up fighting unnecessary complications for little benefit.

Section 1: What types of data collection can I conduct online? Section 2: How do I choose which type(s) of online data collection to fit my research? Section 3: How can I find and get permission to use data that exists online? Section 4: How can I find and gain consent from participants online? Section 5: How can I interact with participants to conduct interviews, surveys or questionnaires? Section 6: What steps should I take to prepare for online research?