2. 72 Internet Research Methods
& Wyatt, 2002 )
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&Chee, 2004c)
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2000)" l 0 . ( social desirabiliîy )
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5. 75
Internet Research Methods:
Advantages and Challenges
Yi Liu • Yueh-Hsuan Tien*
ABSTRACT: Compared to traditional research methods, using the Internet to conduct research offers a number
of advantages to the researcher, which include increased access to sensitive issues and vulnerable /
hidden populations; decreased data entry time requirements; and enhanced data accuracy. However,
Internet research also presents certain challenges to the researcher, In this article, the advantages and
challenges of Internet research methods are discussed in four principle issue areas: (a) recruitment,
(b) data quality, (c) practicality, and (d) ethics. Nursing researchers can overcome problems related to
sampling bias and data truthfulness using creative method.s; resolve technical problems through col-
laboration with other disciplines; and protect participant's privacy, confidentiality and data security by
maintaining a high level of vigilance. Once such issues have been satisfactorily addressed, the Internet
should open a new window for Taiwan nursing research.
Key W o r d s : Internet research methods, nursing research.
RN, PhD. Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, Kaohsiung Medical university; *RN. MSN, Assistant Teacher, School of
Nursing.
Received: February 26. 2009 Revised: March 5, 2tX»9 Accepted: August 25. 2009
Address correspondence to: Yi Liu, No. 100, Shih-Chuan 1st Rd.. Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan. ROC.
Tel: -t-886 (7) 3I2-1101 ext. 2600; E-mail: gn94yliu@kmu.edu.tw
5fi«.fiJtS-+¥R.a 98 4-12^1
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