Assessing Culture via the Internet: Methods and Techniques for Psychological Research

Abstract

This study examines the acculturation experiences of Arabic immigrants and assesses the utility of the Internet as a data collection tool. Based on in-depth pilot interview data from 10 male Arabic immigrants and items selected from pre-existing measures, the Male Arabic Ethnic Identity Measure (MAEIM) was developed. Male Arab immigrants (115 males) were solicited through traditional methods in addition to the Internet. Satisfactory reliability and validity were reported for the MAEIM. No significant differences emerged between the Internet and Midwestern samples. The Internet proved to be an effective method for soliciting a relatively large, geographically dispersed sample of Arabic immigrants. The use of the Internet as a research tool is examined in the context of anonymity, networking, low-cost, perceived interactive control, methodological rigor, and external validity. The Internet was an effective vehicle for addressing concerns raised by prospective participants. It is suggested that the Internet may be an important method to assess culture-relevant variables in further research on Arab and other immigrant populations.

An Exploration of Cultural Identity Patterns and the Family Context among Arab Muslim Young Adults in America

“…The increased use of computers and the interconnectivity achieved through the Internet is causing and will continue to make significant changes in conducting behavioral science research (Krantz, Ballard, & Scher, 1997). Internet based surveys are becoming more frequent, as they provide anonymity and privacy that can help diffuse some of the fears and reluctance associated with completing research studies (Amer & Hovey, in press;Barry, 2001). In addition, participants also report lower social anxiety and social desirability using Internet based survey methodologies compared to paper and pencil questionnaires (Joinson, 1999).…”

“…Additional advantages to Internet based surveys include less costly and more efficient data collection, wider access to a large and diverse population of individuals, and accessibility of previously not easily accessible or hidden populations (Kraut et al, 2004;Rhodes, Bowie, & Hergenrather, 2003;Schmidt, 1997). Moreover, Internet methods have been recommended for research with Arab Americans (Amer, in press;Barry, 2001).…”

Using the Internet for Organizational Research: A Study of Cynicism in the Workplace

“…5,9 Although most Internet users are in North America, there are an estimated 69 million people with Internet access in Asia/ Pacific and 83 million in Europe. 6 Finally, it is also easier to reach more specialized populations such as those working in particular industries or job positions, gays/ lesbians/bisexuals, and people with physical disabilities or medical conditions.…”

On Babies and Bathwater: A Call for Diversification and Diagnosis

“…With the availability of the Internet and other resources Henry notes (e.g., the Knowledge Network research center), it is increasingly feasible for researchers to diversify their sample portfolios. Internet research affords an efficient means by which college students and general adults can be compared, and it is comforting when results are similar (e.g., Barry, 2001;Rudman & Phelan, 2007). Project Implicit provides a laudable example, and its cross-cultural reach (e.g., translations into multiple languages) continues to expand.…”