Virtual Research Ethics: A Content Analysis of Surveys and Experiments Online

Abstract

This chapter presents a content analysis of Internet surveys and experiments. Our study explores guidelines for the conduct of online research by describing the extent to which psychological studies comply with Reips’ (2000) recommendations for Web researchers. Our study also explores ethical considerations and problems in the conduct of virtual research by describing the extent to which behavioral studies on the Internet comply with ethical standards for research (American Psychological Association, 2003). The chapter concludes with a discussion of aspects of virtual research ethics pertinent to future participants, Internet scientists and Institutional Review Boards. “We need not invent new ethical rules for online research. We need only increase our awareness of and commitment to established ethical principles.” – Jim Thomas, 1999, p. 8