Online behavioural tracking in Internet gambling research: ethical and methodological issues

In contrast to offline gambling, the use of online behavioural tracking presents an opportunity for researchers in the social sciences to examine the actual and real-time behaviour engaged in by gamblers. If gaming companies can use behavioural tracking to learn more about their clientele, there is no reason why researchers could not adopt the same practice in carrying out their research. After examining why the online medium is a good place to conduct research with online gamblers, the paper examines the (i) methodological issues in online gambling research, (ii) behavioural tracking tools in online gambling, (iii) the ethics of online data collection by the gambling industry, (iv) ethical issues in online behavioural tracking research, and (v) implications of online behavioural tracking for problem gambling screening criteria. In the main, the most salient problems that online researchers in the gambling studies field are likely to face concern ethical issues (informed consent, deception, public versus private spaces, lurking). Despite such ethical dilemmas, these are not insurmountable and can be remedied if careful thought and rationale is provided

The use of behavioural tracking methodologies in the study of online gambling

Online gambling is a psychological and sociological phenomenon that is becoming a focus of interest for an increasing number of researchers in the social sciences. At present, there are numerous different methods that can be used to collect data about online gambling. However, this case study briefly examines one of the new methods that have been used in the last few years by those in the gambling studies field (i.e., behavioural tracking), and briefly reviews the advantages, disadvantages, and uses. When it comes to studying online gambling behaviour, behavioural tracking methodologies offer a number of advantages for researchers as they provide a totally objective account of what gamblers do online. However, it is also argued that no single methodology is better than another in the collection of data concerning online gamblers

Beyond recruitment? Participatory online research with people who use drugs

The use of the Internet by people who use drugs presents an opportunity for researchers not only to successfully recruit drug users to participate in research, but to go further and engage drug users more fully in dialogue. In this paper, we present data arising from a doctoral research project which examines drug use in an Internet society by focusing on the experiences of participants in online dance music and drug discussion forums, and we examine the ethical issues and problems that arose in this context due to the illegal and stigmatised status of drug use. We chose to engage with forum moderators and users instead of treating public Internet forums as freely available data. Successes and failures that occurred during this process are outlined, and we discuss what was involved in maintaining the discussion threads once they were accepted and supported by group moderators. Issues that arose in attempting to continue engagement beyond recruitment are also discussed. To conclude the paper, we evaluate our efforts to conduct participatory online research and suggest how other researchers investigating illegal and/or stigmatised behaviours may build on our work

Feedback models for gambling control: the use and efficacy of online responsible gambling tools

Social responsibility in gambling has become a major issue for the gaming industry. This has been coupled with the rise of behavioural tracking technologies that allow companies to track every behavioural decision and action made by gamblers on online gambling sites, slot machines, and/or any type of gambling that utilizes player cards. This chapter has a number of distinct but related aims including: (a) a brief overview of behavioral tracking technologies accompanied by a critique of both advantages and disadvantages of such technologies for both the gaming industry and researchers; and (b) results from a series of studies completed using behavioral tracking data to evaluate the efficacy of online responsible gambling tools (particularly in relation to data concerning the use of social responsibility tools such as limit setting, pop-up messaging, and personalized feedback to gamblers)

Kvalitatiivne uurimistöö ja internetifoorumid

BeSt programmi toetusel loodud kursuse eesmärgiks on juhtida tähelepanu internetifoorumitele kui võimalikule uurimisallikate loomise keskkonnale ning vahendile. Käsitletavad teemad: 1) internetifoorumite-põhise uurimistöö kavandamine; 2) internet ja uurijaeetika; 3) allikate loomise meetodid internetifoorumite-põhises uurimistöös; 4) uurimisallikate kogumist ja selle tulemust mõjutavad tegurid internetifoorumite keskkonnas; 5) internetifoorumite abil kogutud allikate eripära ning uurimisvõimalused. Kursuse tulemusel valmib igal osalenul internetifoorumite keskkonnas loodud materjalikogu, mille loomisprotsessi ning edasise tegevuskava on õppija saanud kursusekaaslastega põhjalikult läbi arutada

What is Online Research?

This book is available as open access through the Bloomsbury Open Access programme and is available on www.bloomsburycollections.com. The massive expansion of the internet into every aspect of our lives creates a challenge for social researchers: can they simply transfer their traditional methods and techniques online or do they need to reinvent research methods for the new environment? As online research becomes increasingly prevalent it becomes more important for researchers to have an answer to these questions and an approach to conducting research online. This book is a straightforward, accessible introduction to social research online. It covers the key issues and concerns for social scientists: online surveys, focus groups, interviews, ethnographies and experiments, as well as discussing the implications of social media, and of online research ethics. It provides a detailed, up-to-date glossary and bibliography for those new to the area. Short, clear case studies throughout allow students to see examples of the research in practice. Wide-ranging and interdisciplinary, What is Online Research? shows social scientists of all levels - from undergraduates to established researchers - how to engage in the online environment in appropriate ways, and points the way forward for future research

Beyond internet as tool: A mixed-methods study of online drug discussion

This thesis describes how internet use has shaped drug practices among Australians who engage in the recreational use of psychostimulants and hallucinogens (‘party drugs’) and participate in public internet forums. This thesis uniquely contributes to drugs research by applying theoretical frameworks from internet studies, finding that internet forums enable the consumption and production of drug information, facilitate the production of alternative online places, and are increasingly converged with offline social worlds

Beyond internet as tool: A mixed-methods study of online drug discussion

This thesis describes how internet use has shaped drug practices among Australians who engage in the recreational use of psychostimulants and hallucinogens (‘party drugs’) and participate in public internet forums. This thesis uniquely contributes to drugs research by applying theoretical frameworks from internet studies, finding that internet forums enable the consumption and production of drug information, facilitate the production of alternative online places, and are increasingly converged with offline social worlds

What is Online Research?

This book is available as open access through the Bloomsbury Open Access programme and is available on www.bloomsburycollections.com. The massive expansion of the internet into every aspect of our lives creates a challenge for social researchers: can they simply transfer their traditional methods and techniques online or do they need to reinvent research methods for the new environment? As online research becomes increasingly prevalent it becomes more important for researchers to have an answer to these questions and an approach to conducting research online. This book is a straightforward, accessible introduction to social research online. It covers the key issues and concerns for social scientists: online surveys, focus groups, interviews, ethnographies and experiments, as well as discussing the implications of social media, and of online research ethics. It provides a detailed, up-to-date glossary and bibliography for those new to the area. Short, clear case studies throughout allow students to see examples of the research in practice. Wide-ranging and interdisciplinary, What is Online Research? shows social scientists of all levels - from undergraduates to established researchers - how to engage in the online environment in appropriate ways, and points the way forward for future research