Internet research by Annette N. Markham

This chapter reviews salient characteristics of the internet to illustrate some of the ways internet-based media can influence the shape, scope, and direction of a study. This chapter suggests that substantial benefit can be gained by considering the methodological implications of these characteristics, whether one is using the internet as a tool for non-internet-related topics, studying social phenomena directly implicated by the internet, or studying the internet itself. Ethical considerations of internet research are also discussed.

Download PDF