Scheduled for Sport Management Free Communications, Friday, April 12, 2002, 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM, San Diego Convention Center: Room 7B


Using Internet Data Collection for Sport Management Research

Nancy L. Lough and David Scott, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM

Continued advances in technology are providing sport researchers with new tools for data collection and analysis. Some of the processes involve the collection of data using survey instruments made available on the Internet. While this approach to data collection has some acknowledged advantages and disadvantages, it also has tremendous potential with regard to the number of subjects who can be included in a study and the extent to which both quantitative and qualitative methodologies can be utilized. The fundamental nature of research utilizing self-administered questionnaires is undergoing substantial change (Dillman, 2000). Improved technology, people's familiarity with computers, and the growing use of the Internet are having a significant influence on how questionnaires can be designed, completed, returned and analyzed. For example, researchers now have the opportunity to develop studies with greater statistical power as a result of potentially large numbers of participants who have access to the Internet. Additionally, recent advances in electronic text analysis have allowed researchers to develop open ended survey questions that can be analyzed quickly and accurately, thus reducing the labor-intensive hand coding, pattern searching, and categorization associated with traditional qualitative analysis. Yet, use of this technology creates new challenges. Specific aspects of the design, such as sampling method, response consistency and participant motivation need to be carefully considered. While this approach to research methodology has considerable potential, its presence in the sport literature is limited. Only one article was found that specifically addressed the potential of Internet based research in the human performance field (Szabo & Frenkl, 1996). The purpose of this presentation is to examine the use of IDC (Internet Data Collection) in sport research. Both quantitative and qualitative strategies for collection and analysis of data will be considered. The primary focus will be consideration of how this innovative methodology can apply and be utilized to advance sport research. Thus, this presentation will primarily address: (a) the methodology, (b) challenges related to technology, (c) recommendations for reducing traditional forms of error in survey research, and (d) means of post collection data management and analysis. It is likely that a web-based approach to research methodology will continue to gain popularity and prove to be a useful strategy for future research. With acknowledgement of certain limitations, utilizing recent advances in computer and Internet technology will continue to provide researchers with information previously unattainable by traditional means.
Keyword(s): research, sport management, technology

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