Internet-mediated research: Challenges and issues

Abstract

This article reviews the challenges of, and issues associated with conducting internet-mediated research. The article explores the use of online platforms and in particular social media platforms for research purposes. Additionally the methodological considerations are demonstrated with examples from the author's praxis. The review involves examining two case studies based on the design science methodology and on the Delphi technique. This paper reports on the performance of these methods under the internet-mediated research paradigm and specifically considers the challenge of low response rates. Consequently the primary aim is of this article is to report the demographics determinants of experts who participate in internet-mediated studies to identify possible links to response rates and attrition rates. Exploring the relationship between response rates and the demographical data of experts is consequential as this may impact the validity of internet-mediated research.