What is an example of an investigator using the internet as a research tool?

Using the internet as a research tool involves leveraging online platforms and resources to collect data, recruit participants, or disseminate information. Posting a URL link to a survey on social media exemplifies this because it utilizes an online medium to reach a broad audience quickly and efficiently. This method allows researchers to tap into diverse demographics and gather responses in real time, significantly enhancing the reach and convenience of the data collection process.

The method of using social media to post survey links can also facilitate engagement and immediate feedback, which are integral to contemporary research practices. Social media platforms can help researchers connect with specific communities or groups interested in the survey topics, thus increasing the quality and richness of the data collected.

While other options involve collecting data, they do not utilize the internet to the same extent. Hosting physical surveys in public places, sending emails, and creating printed flyers with QR codes integrate traditional methods or limited digital connectivity, making them less representative of the broader concept of utilizing the internet as a research tool.