"E" for Accuracy! Comparing Survey, Diary, and E-tracking Methods of Measuring Internet Use.

Abstract

Considerable debate exists over the accuracy of self-reported media use measures. This report compares three methods for studying Internet and computer use: online surveys, diaries and e-tracking. This study was conducted with undergraduate students from two universities. Participants were asked to (a) complete a survey (b) keep a diary over the course of one day, and (c) download Internet software which logs all Internet related activity. All methods assessed how frequently they engaged in Web surfing, information seeking, entertainment activities, email sending and receiving, and on and off-line video game playing. Results indicate that e-tracking estimates of Internet use are consistently lower than diary and survey estimates. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]