Abstract
Due to the deteriorating survey environment, Internet research has attracted increasing attention as a new survey method for data collection because of its low cost and reduced time. We summarized the challenges of Internet research with respect to sample representativeness and measurement accuracy and then analyzed actual data to examine features such as response behavior, response distribution, and geographical pattern. The results showed that: 1) sampling bias can occur in the survey data; 2) “frivolous” responses may be given in relation to shorter response time; and 3) there is a moderate effect of geographical setting. Finally, future possibilities and challenges for Internet research, especially in geography, are discussed.
