Exploring the potential of online scientific research to meet modern needs: international perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51707/2618-0529-2024-30-13Keywords:
online research; information society, research; Internet; accuracy, reliability, research technologies and methods.Abstract
The internet and digital technologies have brought about a significant change in the way scientific research is conducted, marking a paradigm shift in the field. This article explores how the internet has influenced and facilitated scientific research, along with the internal challenges and limitations researchers face in the digital age. Several examples of research and the attitudes of different categories of respondents towards the use of online tools are provided. With the help of online collaboration tools, researchers can work together from different parts of the world, share data in real time, and leverage interdisciplinary synergies to drive scientific progress. Access to vast online databases, journals, and repositories has also enabled researchers to speed up literature reviews and remain uptodate with the latest scientific explorations. Moreover, the internet has facilitated the sharing of research data, code, and materials, promoting transparency, replication, and reuse of valuable scientific resources. However, online research is not immune to challenges, such as concerns about data quality, reliability, and validity. Online information may contain errors or intentional misinformation. Additionally, the digital divide and uneven global access to internet infrastructure can lead to sampling bias in online research. The article presents the advantages and disadvantages of using online tools for conducting research. It also highlights that the constant emergence of new online tools and platforms requires ongoing adaptation, and factors such as unique web browsing experiences and technological variations can impede the reproducibility of certain online studies. Despite these challenges, the article argues that the internet has become an indispensable tool for scientific research, creating both opportunities and challenges that the scientific community must skillfully navigate. The article aims to provide best practices for improving skills in areas such as data management, digital literacy, and virtual collaboration, which are crucial for the responsible and ethical advancement of scientific research in the digital age.
References
Library — ESOMAR. (2023). Retrieved from https://shop.esomar.org/knowledge-center/library?-publication=2993&pk_vid=6392076895626bb31694 4105595fc312.
Zellma, A. (2019). Internet research in the service of Polish catechetical theory and practice. Studia Warmińskie, 56, 213–226 [in Polish].
Lefever, S., Dal, M., & Matthíasdóttir, S. (2006). Online data collection in academic research: advantages and limitations. British Journal of Educational Technology, 38 (4), 574–582. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8535.2006.00638.x.
Coomber, R. (1997). Using the Internet for Survey Research. Sociological Research Online, 2 (2), 49–58. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5153/sro.73.
Bradley, N. (1999). Sampling for Internet surveys. An examination of respondent selection for Internet research. Journal of the Market Research Society, 41 (4), 387–395.
Zając, J. M., & Krejtz, K. (2007). The Internet as a subject and area of social psychology research. Retrieved from https://www.scribd.com/document/57189843/Zaj%C4%85c-J-M-Krejtz-K-Internet-jako-przedmiot-i-obszar-bada%C5%84-psychologii-spo%C5%82ecznej [in Polish].
Kubinowski, D. (2017). Possibilities of Using Social Internet Research in Constructing Educational Knowledge. Educational Studies Review, 2 (25), 333–343. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.12775/PBE.2014.033 [in Polish].
Oklander, M., Oklander, T., & Yashkina, O. (2018). Marketing research trends: online panels and online communities. Marketing and Management of Innovations, 1, 118–129. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21272/mmi.2018.1-08.
Couper, M. P., Conrad, F. G., & Tourangeau, R. (2007). Visual Context Effects in Web Surveys. Public Opinion Quarterly, 71 (4), 623–634. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/poq/nfm044.
Fricker, R. D., & Schonlau, M. (2002). Advantages and Disadvantages of Internet Research Surveys: Evidence from the Literature. Field Methods, 14 (4), 347–367. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/152582202237725.
Gregor, B., & Stawiszyński, M. (2005). Using the Internet in market panel research. Scientific Works / University of Economics in Katowice, 55–64 [in Polish].
Batorski, D., & Olcoń-Kubicka, M. (2006). Conducting research via the Internet — basic methodological issues. Sociological Studies, 3, 99–132 [in Polish].
Lukianova, L. B. (2022). Tochnist i dostovirnist andrahohichnykh doslidzhen: implikatsii dlia praktyky [Accuracy and reliability of andragogic research: Implications for practice]. Osvita doroslykh: teoriia, dosvid, perspektyvy — Adult education: theory, experience, perspectives, 2 (22), 9–24. DOI: https://doi.org/10.35387/od.2(22).2022.9-24 [in Ukrainian].
Ovcharuk, O., Ivaniuk, I., Hrytsenchuk, O., Kravchyna, O., & Malytska, I. (2023). Rezultaty onlain-opytuvannia “Hotovnist i potreby vchyteliv shchodo vykorystannia tsyfrovykh zasobiv ta IKT v umovakh viiny: 2023”. Analitychnyi zvit [Results of the online survey “Readiness and needs of teachers regarding the use of digital tools and ICT in the conditions of war: 2023”. Analytical report]. O. Ovcharuk (Ed.). Kyiv : ITsO NAPN Ukrainy. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.25529.34402 [in Ukrainian].
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Scientific notes of Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
