The word “Mobile” is the most commonly used word we see around. It is able to put research in a context which has not been understood before. It provides a whole lot of advantages that researchers have been seeking for ages in order to bring in the accuracy in their analysis and better responsiveness. It brings in the idea of just in time feedback and brings in the synergy between the respondent and the researcher even if they are at different locations. Of course, mobile research has grown but it is thought provoking that why it has not boomed?
Research a has revealed that mobile device surveys are on a constant rise but at the same time the dropout rates for smartphones are almost twice. Respondents have been seen using mobile devices as medium for easy participation in research. However, a significant barrier in mobile research completion is the difference in the screen size and the variation in the ease of data entry. It is important in this phase that the screen size, the functions of data entry and the length of the survey should have the flexibility to fit into the situation of the respondent and not just the need of the respondent.
The research fraternity needs to appreciate the ease and comfort with which the respondents use the smart phone devices. In this learning process of smart phone adaptability in research the researchers are learning to overcome the barriers and finding means to squeeze out meaning and value out if shorter mobile texts. There are certain tips that researchers could follow in order to stay ahead in this trend:
- Do not resist but respond to change
- Customize and offer alternatives for technology involved research by giving options for desktops/mobiles and smart phone alternatives.
The feasibility of technology is all about the tipping points. In time to come, the mobile access of research would actually reach a point where the researchers would have no choice but to accept the change. The question that is triggered in each one’s mind is whether research would be able to accept and adapt to the methods and acceptations that are changing or they would remain stuck with the expected but unacceptable dropout rates?
Mobile is an easy way to collect data in today’s world because nobody waits to open his or her personal computer to access his mails, everybody has it smart phones today and they are almost always available. Even I collected my data using my smart phone and the result was much more relevant and quick.