Psychology Research on the Internet

Psychological Research on the Internet
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Psychological Research on the Internet
In this study, Kosinki, Matz, Gosling, Popov, and Stillwell (2015) examine the use of Facebook in social science research. Notably, the authors recognize the increasing use of internet tools such as Facebook in psychological research. The authors use a qualitative approach to document data for the study. One of the aspects that the authors look at is the recruitment of participants for psychological research through Facebook. The authors outline various methods that are used in the recruitment of Facebook participants such as going viral and targeting. Additionally, the authors also look at the methods of collecting data from Facebook participants and the pitfalls of using such data. The other aspect that the authors examine is the importance of ethical considerations in internet research such as informed consent as well as confidentiality. In general, this article examines the increased use of internet in research, its benefits along with challenges.
In my estimation, internet research does not make this study less generalizable than traditional research. Indeed, internet research opens avenues for more people to participate in research hence increasing generalization among the population. Moreover, the researchers can also make appropriate controls to ensure that only participants who meet the inclusion criteria are recruited to participate in the study. Additionally, the study is also generalizable as the authors also observe ethical issues that may possibly affect the study.

This aspect enhances the generalization of the study’s findings due to the importance of ethics in psychological research. It is also easier to recruit participants through the internet than in traditional research as the researchers do not have to directly approach the participants to include them in the study hence increasing generalization.
References
Kosinski, M., Matz, S. C., Gosling, S. D., Popov, V., & Stillwell, D. (2015). Facebook as a research tool for the social sciences: Opportunities, challenges, ethical considerations, and practical guidelines. American Psychologist, 70(6), 543.