Efficient and Effective Uses of Technology in Community Research

Abstract

This paper describes how a research team at DePaul University is applying recent advances in technology to facilitate the implementation of a large-scale, community research project. The application of technology by members of the social sciences has often focused on advances in computational technologies to provide faster and more sophisticated ways to analyze data. However, there is less documentation of how technology can provide opportunities to improve the way scientists conduct community research. Social and community interventions can profit from technological innovations to alleviate difficulties in collecting, processing, managing, archiving, and sharing data. If researchers within the field of community psychology become more knowledgeable and competent in the use of technology, larger and more complex projects can be implemented in an efficient and effective manner.