Abstract

MACDONALD, R  and  LESSING, N. Growth in Internet-based research amongst researchers. JCMAN [online]. 2005, vol.2, n.1, pp.36-45. ISSN 1815-7440.

From evidence derived via online statistics it is clear to see that the Internet is still growing in terms of users and in terms of researchers. This article explores the growth in Internet-based research for the purpose of secondary data mining and primary data gathering, by reviewing Internet use on the part of various researchers in various disciplines. The use of the Internet for qualitative research is reviewed and comments on the debate on the value and validity of on-line research is made. Specific scholarly research is reviewed and the use of the Internet by librarians, research assistants and scholars is explored. Ultimately growth in Internet based-research cannot be argued, however validity and accuracy in on-line research can be further explored.

Keywords : electronic resources; Internet-based research; online research; qualitative research; research; Web research.

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