Exploring the Impact of Internet Responses in Research Studies

How do Internet responses compare to face-to-face interviews and telephone surveys in research studies?

A. Internet responses may have advantages over face-to-face interviews or telephone surveys in sensitive topics like weight.

Answer:

The Social desirability concept best explains the comparison. Respondents might feel less pressured to conform to social expectations when using Internet responses, as opposed to face-to-face interviews or telephone surveys.

Exploring the Impact of Internet Responses in Research Studies

When it comes to conducting research studies on sensitive topics like weight, the method of data collection can influence the responses obtained. In this case, Internet responses have been found to have advantages over face-to-face interviews or telephone surveys.

The concept of Social desirability plays a significant role in this comparison. Social desirability refers to the tendency of respondents to present themselves in a manner that will be viewed favorably by others. When answering questions about sensitive topics like weight through Internet responses, respondents may feel less pressured to respond in a socially desirable way compared to face-to-face interviews or telephone surveys.

By utilizing Internet responses in research studies, researchers may be able to gather more honest and authentic responses from participants. This can lead to a deeper understanding of individuals' perspectives and experiences without the potential bias that may arise in face-to-face interviews or telephone surveys.

Overall, the impact of Internet responses on research studies, particularly when examining sensitive topics, highlights the importance of considering the role of Social desirability in data collection methods. By understanding how different modes of data collection can influence responses, researchers can ensure the validity and reliability of their findings.