Online research methods

Online research methods (ORMs) are ways in which researchers can collect data via the internet. They are also referred to as Internet research, Internet science or iScience. Many of these online research methods are related to existing research methodologies but re-invent and re-imagine them in the light of new technologies and conditions associated with the internet. The field is relatively new and evolving. With the growth of social medias a new level of complexity and opportunity has been created. Inclusion of social media research can provide unique insights into consumer and societal segments and gaining an "emotional" measure of a population on issues of interest.

Some specific types of method include:
 * Online ethnography
 * Online focus groups
 * Online qualitative research
 * Online interviews
 * Online questionnaires
 * Web-based experiments
 * Online clinical trials - or see below
 * Technology used for online research methods

Online clinical trials
Clinical trials are at the heart of current evidence based medical care. They are, however, traditionally expensive and difficult to undertake. Using internet resources can, in some cases, reduce the economic burden. Paul et al., in The Journal of Medical Internet Research,  describe the background and methodologies of online clinical trials and list examples.