The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #42784

Molly B. Kerby, MS¹, John B. White, PhD¹, Thomas Nicholson, PhD¹, Lisa L. Lindley, DrPH², and Richard W. Wilson, DHSc, MPH³. (1) Public Health, Western Kentucky University, Western Kentucky University, One Big Red Way, Bowling Green, KY 42101-3576, 270-745-5870, molly.kerby@wku.edu, (2) Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health, Western Kentucky University, 1 Big Red Way, Bowling Green, KY 42101, (3) Department of Public Health, Western Kentucky University, 1 Big Red Way, Bowling Green, KY 42101-3576

One of the most progressive developments in recent years in collecting data from respondents in hard to reach populations has been the advent of Internet-based surveying. This method of collecting and organizing data has the potential to revolutionize the methodology of survey data collection and analysis because it is convenient for the respondent, cost and time effective for the researcher, anonymous, increases the participant pool, and allows data to be handled more effectively. Though data collection via the World Wide Web has the potential for revolutionizing scientific research, it is important to consider that all "Internet research" is conducted within an embedded social context and to understand Internet-based data collection, researchers must understand relevant social contexts. Consequently, many ethical issues become identical to those for traditional research. Internet researchers are obligated to the ethical obligations of the participant and should not give priority to the integrity of the research. When researchers encounter situations where obtaining consent from potential study participants in a computer-mediated communication forum is logistically difficult or potentially disruptive to the environment, researchers should not forfeit informed consent. This paper focuses on the methodological and ethical issues of data collection for scientific research via the World Wide Web based on four Internet based studies conducted at Western Kentucky University: 1) DRUGNET study, 2) Substance Abuse in the Lesbian Community Study, 3) DRUGNET - Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered (GLBT) study, and 4) The National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trangendered, and Questioning (LGBTQ) College Student Survey.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant/learner will be able to evaluate the complexities of ethical dilemmas when conducting Internet data collection, prioritize efforts to insure that the well-being of the respondent/subject is a major consideration, and discuss methods of improving scientic research via the world wide web.

Keywords: Data Collection, World Wide Web

Related Web page: www.lgbt-css.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.