Factors Influence Internet-Based Data Collection Services

Factors Influence Internet-Based Data Collection Services Certainly, the internet has gained huge popularity in the recent years. In fact, data collection executives consider collecting large samples of data through internet surveys as more practical and easier process. In fact, the advancement in information technology has led researchers to find new data collection and analysis methods. As a result, the internet has begun finding its applications in primary data collection in many research fields.

Though, initially a researcher had to learn either HTML or some programing language to collect information via the internet, luckily new technological solutions don’t require having the knowledge of computer programming.

Undoubtedly, it provides several benefits in terms of increased sample size, easier access, convenience, cost-effectiveness, and more, but there are some pitfalls as well. Let’s take a deep dig into the factors affecting internet-based data collection: Factors affecting manual and internet-based data collection Internet-based primary data collection could be more complex procedure due to the associated guidelines, research ethics, low responses, data requirements and its cleaning etc. However, while comparing internet collection with manual method one can find the validity and reliability of both the research nearly equal, which reveals that the mode of data collection actually does not impact the data quality.

Few other factors that affect data collection may include:  A person’s reading capability or familiarity with computers: If a person is unable to read, he would find paper-and-pencil surveys more difficult, while a person who is less familiar with computers would find electronic data collection methods challenging. In other words, computer skills or reading comprehensions can affect a respondent's ability to complete surveys or fill out questionnaires, to an extent.  Rapport level: Next, comes the level of rapport which varies from person to person. For instance, few people find a signed letter survey format along with a paper-and-pencil format more practical, where others like to fill surveys through e-mails.  Identity theft: This could be a major issue as the data collected through online channels may or may not be genuine. For this reason, the manual paper-and-pencil data is appeared to be more reliable and quality-data due to being more personal, and credible to the respondents.

However, an Internet-based collection can provide cost-effective solutions and can yield more samples in less time which if done manually, could not be accomplished. The internet is just a tool, its effectiveness is entirely dependent on how researchers can utilize it wisely.