Online Longitudinal Survey Research

Abstract

This article explores the viability of conducting longitudinal survey research using the Internet in samples exposed to trauma. A questionnaire battery assessing psychological adjustment following adverse life experiences was posted online. Participants who signed up to take part in the longitudinal aspect of the study were contacted 3 and 6 months after initial participation to complete the second and third waves of the research. Issues of data screening and sample attrition rates are considered and the demographic profiles and questionnaire scores of those who did and did not take part in the study during successive time points are compared. The results demonstrate that it is possible to conduct repeated measures survey research online and that the similarity in characteristics between those who do and do not take part during successive time points mirrors that found in traditional pencil-and-paper trauma surveys.