網路研究方法的優勢與挑戰

Internet Research Methods: Advantages and Challenges

網路研究有許多優勢，它比一般傳統研究方法更能夠讓一些隱藏的、弱勢的群體來討論一些敏感話題，增加他們參與研究的便利性，不需考慮交通和時間的問題，而且使用網路來收集資料可以減少資料輸入的時間，也減少了資料輸入時的人為錯誤。儘管網路提供了研究者許多的便利性，但也有許多的挑戰。本文從研究參與者招募、資料品質、實務和倫理四個不同層面來討論網路研究方法的優勢與挑戰。只要我們能掌握網路研究方法的優點，利用創意來克服取樣偏差及資料真實性的問題，以團隊合作方式來解決技術層面問題並謹慎維護參與者的隱私、機密與安全，相信網路將會為台灣護理研究開創新的風貌。

Compared to traditional research methods, using the Internet to conduct research offers a number of advantages to the researcher, which include increased access to sensitive issues and vulnerable / hidden populations; decreased data entry time requirements; and enhanced data accuracy. However, Internet research also presents certain challenges to the researcher. In this article, the advantages and challenges of Internet research methods are discussed in four principle issue areas: (a) recruitment, (b) data quality, (c) practicality, and (d) ethics. Nursing researchers can overcome problems related to sampling bias and data truthfulness using creative methods; resolve technical problems through collaboration with other disciplines; and protect participant's privacy, confidentiality and data security by maintaining a high level of vigilance. Once such issues have been satisfactorily addressed, the Internet should open a new window for Taiwan nursing research.