Using the Internet for data collection. An innovative electronic strategy.

Computer hardware and software have revolutionized research data management. Data collection has, however, remained a time-consuming and expensive component of most research projects. This article presents a description of an innovative strategy for data collection using computer network forums on the Internet (the "information superhighway"). The success of the electronic data collection strategy is illustrated by a report of the results of a survey of the needs and coping mechanisms of cancer survivors.