The internet can be used as a research tool or as the object of a study. Which of the following examples
best describes an investigator using the internet as a research tool? Correct Ans-An investigator uses
his Facebook wall to post a URL link to a survey he is hosting on SurveyMonkey.
Which scenario best describes a researcher making thoughtful considerations in the design of their
informed consent process on an online study? Correct Ans-The researcher will ask for a waiver to
document informed consent and instead will have a live button that reads, "If you agree to be in this
study click below to begin."
WHY: Informed consent is a two-step process—1) providing prospective subjects with information about
a research study and 2) documenting that the information was provided. While individuals who enroll in
a panel may have agreed to the panel's registration agreement or terms of service, researchers should
not assume these individuals have given permission to be subjects in all research projects. Similarly, the
prevalence of bots in online studies does not excuse researchers from having to provide prospective
participants with an informed consent process. Researchers would not be expected to secure consent
from NPCs or avatar controlled by artificial intelligence, as they would not be considered "living
humans." Including a live button in on a consent process that requires subjects to actively demonstrate
their consent to participate is one way of obtaining consent for online studies. While the "live button"
method doe Correct Ans-
Consent to participate in research is an ongoing process. Which of the following strategies would help
ensure that participation in a survey about a sensitive personal topic remains voluntary throughout a
study? Correct Ans-Designing the survey so that subjects are not forced to answer one question
before going to the next.
The internet as a research tool and as the object of study Correct Ans-The Internet As a Research Tool
and As the Object of Study
Researchers can use the internet to conduct research with human subjects in two ways. They can:
Use the internet as a research tool
Use the internet as the environment to study human behavior
Researchers may use the internet to help them conduct their studies.