About CIBHR
Rationale:
Social science research is increasingly moving toward Internet-based primary data collection. As health researchers, it is imperative that we adequately recruit participants to complete our survey instruments. Without representative samples and sufficient response rates, many research studies are destined for failure. Internet-based health research (IBHR) is of no exception! The Center for Internet-Based Health Research TM (CIBHR; pronounced "cyber") was created to serve as a hub for health researchers to share and promote their IBHR studies. Additionally, CIBHR was created to serve as an outlet to facilitate discussion among health researchers about their experiences with IBHR. This forum feature allows health researchers to pose questions to other health researchers about their IBHR studies and offer tips and suggestions for "best practice" IBHR methodology. Only through open dialogue and an exchange of ideas can IBHR prosper as a reputable and valid method to collect primary data from study participants.
Through CIBHR, health researchers can post IBHR study descriptions and associated URL links to raise awareness of innovative research projects of interest to colleagues despite geographical boundaries (that often limit traditional methods of participant recruitment and survey dissemination). Health researchers are encouraged to submit an CIBHR Application to have their IBHR posted on CIBHR!
Utilizing the ideals of the Social Exchange Theory, health researchers can assist other health researchers to recruit study participants. This is accomplished by providing easily accessible URL links and study descriptions of IBHR projects. Health researchers are encouraged to simply click on desired IBHR study URL links to participate in a study OR copy/paste the IBHR study URL link to disseminate studies of interest to potential study participants to assist other researchers in their participant recruitment efforts. Health researchers may even incorporate the research of other researchers into their course syllabi or advertise electronically to other interested colleagues and potential participants.
Health researchers are encouraged to register to receive email notification of new IBHR postings on CIBHR. The CIBHR Listserv is kept confidential and emails are sent out weekly.
Mission:
The mission of CIBHR is to promote quality Internet-based health research (IBHR) by providing health researchers and the general public with access to IBHR projects and a forum for open dialogue about "best practice" IBHR methodology and practical utility.
Objectives:
Promote the ideals of IBHR to advance the health-related literature and body of knowledge Inform health researchers of new IBHR studies being conducted nationwide
Create a network of health researchers dedicated to IBHR Provide a resource for researchers to post IBHR studies to recruit participants and increase response rates
Create a network of health researchers willing to assist other researchers in implementing successful IBHR
Facilitate a forum for researchers to share insights, techniques, recommendations, successes, failures, limitations, suggestions, and "lessons learned" about IBHR
Disclaimer
All research projects posted within CIBHR have been approved by the appropriate Institutional Review Board (IRB) affiliated with the research study. Official documentation of IRB approval is required for a study to be posted within CIBHR. CIBHR does not endorse, regulate, restrict, or take responsibility for the content included within any posted research study.
CIBHR has the right not to post a research study and remove a posted study at any time.