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Understanding Internet Usage in Regional Australia

Information Sheet
 
 
Background

CSIRO is currently conducting research to better understand the advantages and challenges associated with Internet usage within Australian communities. The long-term goal of the research is to identify changes in Internet usage over time and how such change (if any) relates to various aspects of people’s lives. As part of this project, CSIRO researchers are inviting people in regional areas of Australia to participate in an online anonymous survey. The results from this online survey will guide the development of a larger survey to be sent by mail to residents living in specific regional areas in Australia.

What is involved?

The survey should take, on average, 20 minutes to complete. It contains questions about how you use the Internet, and what you consider to be its advantages and disadvantages. We are interested in your answers regardless of how much or how little you use the Internet. We will also ask you about your feelings regarding many aspects of your daily life. To answer the questions you just need to click on the answer that most closely fits your opinion (e.g., 1 = strongly disagree to 6 = strongly agree). The survey is completely anonymous.

Benefits & Risks

The purpose of this research is to understand how Australia's Internet services are experienced by users and to help inform the design of future Internet services. Participation should involve no risks beyond that of everyday living. If you find any question invasive or offensive you are free to leave the question unanswered.

Participation and withdrawal

Your participation is entirely voluntary. If you would like to participate, you will need to read and sign the consent form on the following screen. If you agree to participate, you have the right to withdraw at any time. Your decision to withdraw or not participate will not impact your relations with CSIRO.

Confidentiality and use of information

The information you provide in this survey will be stored in password-secured files. Your responses will be combined with those of other survey participants in any report that is produced from this survey. We expect that the findings from this survey will be reported in a CSIRO research report. They may also be reported in research articles for academic journals.

Ethical clearance and contacts for queries/concerns

This study has been cleared in accordance with the ethical review process of the CSIRO Human Research Ethics Committee and within the guidelines of the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. If you would like to find out more about the research, please feel free to contact the researchers involved (see details below). Any concerns or complaints about the project can be raised with CSIRO’s Social Science Human Ethics Committee via [email protected] or by contacting the Manager of Social Responsibility and Ethics on (07) 3833 5693.

We appreciate you taking the time to complete this survey and helping us to understand your experiences with the Internet.

For further information:

Dr. Sharon Dane
t: 07 3327 4073
e: [email protected]

Dr. Claire Mason
t: 07 3327 4164
e: [email protected]
 
 
 
Consent to Participate
 
 
Your involvement in this research is highly valued. After reading the information sheet on the previous screen, please read the information below and if you agree to participate in this research, select ‘yes’ in the ‘agreement to participate’ section provided at the end of this page.
 
 
I acknowledge that:

• I understand that the survey will ask me questions about my use, or non-use, of the Internet and about my feelings in relation to various life experiences.

• I understand that the survey should take, on average, 20 minutes to complete.

• I understand that my participation is entirely voluntary. I am free to not answer any question I choose and I am free to withdraw my participation at any time without having to provide a reason for my withdrawal.

• I have been provided with information about the purpose and risks and benefits of the project.

• I have been provided with contact details of the research officers and understand that I can contact them should I have any questions or concerns. I have also been provided with the contact details of an independent ethics officer at CSIRO should I wish to raise any concerns or complaints about the conduct of the research. Contact details will be provided again at the end of this survey.

• I understand that the results from this research will be used to compile a research report and to inform the questions for an internet survey to be randomly distributed to Australian households, including those in Coffs Harbour.

• I also understand that the information I provide in the survey will not be individually identifiable.
 
 
* Agreement to participate

I acknowledge that I am at least 18 years of age, and I have read and understood the information above.
 
Yes, please commence with the survey
 
No (or I do not wish to participate)
 
 
 
Demographics
 
 
Please answer the following questions about yourself and your life.
 
 
Gender
 
Female
 
Male
 
Other - please clarify should you wish
 
 
 
 
Your Age
 
 
 
Please select the option that best describes your gross household income (i.e., your income and, if you have a partner, their income), before deducting tax.
 
 
 
Which of the following best describes your employment status? If need be, you can select more than one.
 
Employed full-time
 
Employed part-time/casual
 
Self-employed
 
Currently unemployed
 
Retired
 
Working within home - unpaid
 
Carer
 
Volunteer work
 
Pension recipient
 
Full-time student
 
Part-time student

 
 
 
Do you do your paid work mainly from home?
 
Yes
 
No
 
 
 
Which of the following describes your living environment? Please select ALL that apply.
 
Living alone
 
Living with partner
 
Living with dependent children
 
Living with other family members (e.g., parents, extended family, adult/non-dependent children)
 
Living in a shared household
 
Other
 

 
 
 
Using the Internet
 
 
The following questions assess your attitudes towards using social networking sites on the Internet (such as Facebook, Twitter, forums, NOT email). For all of the questions about Internet use in this survey, we are interested in YOUR OWN usage, not that of your partner or another family member. Please respond to these questions regardless of how much you use the Internet.
 
 
I intend to use social networking sites on the Internet to keep in touch with friends, family, or other social contacts in the NEXT TWO WEEKS (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, forums).
Strongly DisagreeStrongly Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
 
 
 
For me, using social networking sites on the Internet in the NEXT TWO WEEKS would be:
ConvenientInconvenient
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
 
 
 
For me, using social networking sites on the Internet in the NEXT TWO WEEKS would be:
A waste of timeA time saver
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
 
 
 
For me, using social networking sites on the Internet in the NEXT TWO WEEKS would be:
InexpensiveExpensive
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
 
 
 
For me, using social networking sites on the Internet in the NEXT TWO WEEKS would be:
ImpersonalPersonal
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
 
 
 
For me, using social networking sites on the Internet in the NEXT TWO WEEKS would be:
GoodBad
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
 
 
 
For me, using social networking sites on the Internet in the NEXT TWO WEEKS would be:
Not secureSecure
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
 
 
 
For me, using social networking sites on the Internet in the NEXT TWO WEEKS would be:
RelaxingStressful
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
 
 
 
For me, using social networking sites on the Internet in the NEXT TWO WEEKS would be:
Not privatePrivate
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
 
 
 
For me, using social networking sites on the Internet in the NEXT TWO WEEKS would be:
FunNot fun
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
 
 
 
For me, using social networking sites on the Internet in the NEXT TWO WEEKS would be:
SlowInstantaneous
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
 
 
 
 
Please answer the following questions, using your best judgement about how others feel.
 
Many people similar to me use social networking sites on the Internet (such as Facebook, Twitter, forums).
Completely FalseCompletely True
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
 
 
 
People in my life whose opinions I value would approve of me using social networking sites on the Internet to keep in touch with family, friends, or other social contacts in the NEXT TWO WEEKS.
Strongly DisagreeStrongly Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
 
 
 
I would feel confident using social networking sites on the Internet to keep in touch with family, friends, or other social contacts in the NEXT TWO WEEKS, if I wanted to.
Definitely FalseDefinitely True
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
 
 
 
For me to use social networking sites on the Internet to keep in touch with family, friends, or other social contacts in the NEXT TWO WEEKS would be:
A very difficult taskA very simple task
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
 
 
 
 
The following questions ask about the views of your friends and family separately. Although you can't always be sure how others feel, please answer using your best judgement.
 
 
Strongly DisagreeStrongly Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Most of my family would consider it a good/sensible idea if I used social networking sites on the Internet to communicate socially with others in the next two weeks
Most of my friends would consider it a good/sensible idea if I used social networking sites on the Internet to communicate socially with others in the next two weeks
 
 
Using social networking sites on the Internet (such as Facebook, Twitter, forums) to keep in touch with family, friends, and other social contacts is not entirely up to me.
Strongly DisagreeStrongly Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
 
 
 
How much control do you believe you have over using social networking sites on the Internet to keep in touch with family, friends, or other social contacts in the NEXT TWO WEEKS?
No ControlComplete Control
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
 
 
 
Most people who are important to me would consider it a good/sensible idea if I used social networking sites on the Internet to, at least sometimes, stay in touch with my family, friends, or other social contacts in the NEXT TWO WEEKS.
Strongly DisagreeStrongly Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
 
 
 
Compared with other methods of keeping in touch with my family or friends, using social networking sites on the Internet (such as Facebook, Twitter, forums)...
Strongly DisagreeStrongly Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Feels less personal
Feels less private
Is a safe way of sharing personal information
 
 
I plan to use social networking sites on the Internet to keep in touch with friends, family, or other social contacts in the NEXT TWO WEEKS (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, forums).
Strongly DisagreeStrongly Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
 
 
 
 
Please answer the following questions about your actual Internet use. For these questions we are interested in all of the different ways that you use the Intenet, not just your social networking activity.
 
 
Have you used the Internet (including email) for any reason in or outside the home in the last TWO YEARS?
 
Yes
 
No
 
 
How often do you use the Internet (via computer, phone, etc.) either at home or outside the home?
Never Rarely Once a month Once a fortnight Once or twice a week Every other day Daily
 
 
 
 
Where do you use the Internet?
 
At home
 
Outside the home
 
Both
 
 
 
Internet Usage - Regular Activities
 
 
Remember this is about YOUR OWN usage of the Internet, not that of anyone else in your household.
 
 
Information Seeking
 
Please answer the following questions about looking for news on the Internet.
Never Rarely Once a month Once a fortnight Once or twice a week Every other day Daily
How often do you look for news on the Internet?
How often do you look for local news on the Internet?
How often do you check weather forecasts on the Internet?
How often do you look for sports information on the Internet?
 
 
Please answer the following questions about looking for health and government information on the Internet.
Never Rarely Once a month Once a fortnight Once or twice a week Every other day Daily
How often do you look for health information on the Internet?
How often do you use the Internet to find information about government services?
 
 
 
Buying and Using Services
 
Please answer the following questions about your use of the Internet.
Never Rarely Once a month Once a fortnight Once or twice a week Every other day Daily
How often do you look at goods on the Internet to compare prices?
How often do you order groceries online?
How often do you buy products online?
How often do you access your bank's online services?
 
 
 
Communication and Social Networking
 
Please answer the following questions about how you use the Internet for social networking and email.
Never Rarely Once a month Once a fortnight Once or twice a week Every other day Daily
How often do you visit social networking sites (e.g., Facebook, Twitter)?
How often do you post messages on a social networking site?
How often do you post pictures or photos online?
How often do you use email for social communication?
How often do you use email for work-related purposes?
 
 
 
Never Rarely Once a month Once a fortnight Once or twice a week Every other day Daily
How often do you participate in chatrooms and forums?
How often do you use video communication such as Skype?
How often do you work on a personal website?
How often do you work on a blog of your own?
 
 
 
Entertainment and Leisure
 
Please answer the following questions about how you use the Internet for entertainment and leisure.
Never Rarely Once a month Once a fortnight Once or twice a week Every other day Daily
How often do you watch television online?
How often do you listen to music online?
How often do you listen to the radio online?
How often do you download music online?
How often do you play games online?
 
 
 
Internet Usage - Occasional Activities
 
 
IMPORTANT: The following questions relate to how much you use the Internet COMPARED WITH OTHER WAYS of conducting activities.



Information Seeking
 
COMPARED WITH OTHER WAYS of conducting the following activities, please indicate how often you use the Internet to:
Never Some of the time Half of the time Most of the time Always
Get information about local events
Research travel plans
Find information about outdoor/recreational activities (e.g., fishing, camping, cycling, picnicking, bush walking, canoeing, etc.)
Find information about restaurants
 
 
 
Buying and Using Services
 
Compared with other ways of conducting the following activities, please indicate how often you use the Internet to:
Never Some of the time Half of the time Most of the time Always
Sell items or services
Pay your bills
Access other financial services (e.g., insurance, stocks)
 
 
 
Communication and Social Networking
 
Compared with other ways of conducting the following activities, please indicate how often you use the Internet to:
Never Some of the time Half of the time Most of the time Always
Use dating services
Organise where to meet up with friends
Sign a petition or send a political message
Participate in a social, sporting, or community group
 
 
 
Entertainment and Leisure
 
Compared with other ways of conducting the following activities, please indicate how often you use the Internet to:
Never Some of the time Half of the time Most of the time Always
Purchase event tickets
Make travel reservations/bookings
Book holiday accommodation
 
 
 
While the first part of this survey looked at your Internet usage, this final section asks about you and your broader life experiences.
 
 
Your health
 
Please indicate the extent to which you agree with the following statements about your health.
Strongly Disagree Moderately Disagree Slightly Disagree Slightly Agree Moderately Agree Strongly Agree
I feel energetic
I have a healthy lifestyle (in terms of diet, exercise, and rest)
 
 
 
How do you rate your health in general?
 
Poor
 
Fair
 
Good
 
Very good
 
Excellent
 
 
 
Do you have any diagnosed disabilities or mental or physical health conditions that impact on your everyday life to a noticeable degree?
 
Yes
 
No
 
 
Please indicate the extent to which you agree with the following statements relating to your health:
Strongly Disagree Moderately Disagree Slightly Disagree Slightly Agree Moderately Agree Strongly Agree
I can access useful information about my health and healthcare options
I can access timely treatment for any healthcare issue I might have
I am able to access the advice of a good healthcare professional when I need it
 
 
 
Your knowledge and skills
 
Please indicate the extent to which you agree with the following statements.
Strongly Disagree Moderately Disagree Slightly Disagree Slightly Agree Moderately Agree Strongly Agree
I can get involved with classes or activities to build on my level of knowledge or skills
My skill levels and experience limit me from doing the things I want to do
I have all the essential life skills I need (e.g., managing finances, parenting, relationships)
I feel very competent using the Internet as a tool to communicate with others
I feel very confident using the Internet to find information
 
 
 
Is English the main language spoken in your home?
 
Yes
 
No
 
 
 
How do you rate your English reading skills for the needs of everyday life (e.g., reading newspapers, brochures, forms, etc.)?
 
Poor
 
Fair
 
Good
 
Very Good
 
Excellent
 
 
 
How you feel about yourself and what you do
 
 
Please indicate the extent to which you agree with the following statements.
Strongly Disagree Moderately Disagree Slightly Disagree Slightly Agree Moderately Agree Strongly Agree
I feel that the value of what I do is recognised by others
I am able to engage in creative pursuits
 
 
Indicate the extent to which you agree with the following statements.
Strongly Disagree Moderately Disagree Slightly Disagree Slightly Agree Moderately Agree Strongly Agree
I feel good about myself
I am happy with the balance I have between my work time and my leisure time
I can take time out for myself when I want to
 
 
 
How you feel about your work
 
Indicate the extent to which you agree with the following statements.
Strongly Disagree Moderately Disagree Slightly Disagree Slightly Agree Moderately Agree Strongly Agree
I experience good conditions at work
I feel secure in my job
 
 
 
Your legal rights
 
Please answer the following questions relating to your legal security.
Not at all 2 Somewhat 4 Quite 6 Very
How easily would you be able to get adequate legal assistance should you need it?
How confident are you that you will be treated with equality and non-discrimination before the law?
How confident are you that the law will protect you from intolerant behaviour?
How confident are you that your privacy will be respected?
 
 
 
Now we want to ask you about your life experiences...
 
 
Your place of living
 
Please rate the extent to which you agree with the following statements.
Strongly Disagree Moderately Disagree Slightly Disagree Slightly Agree Moderately Agree Strongly Agree
I find myself worrying about my housing or accommodation options
I feel that I will always have the opportunity to live in a home that is at least clean, safe, and uncrowded
I feel I have some choice over where I live
I don't have to worry about leaving my current place of living against my will
My future security in a home is something that plays on my mind
I feel I have no option but to live in a place in which I feel I don't belong
 
 
 
Your personal relationships
 
Please rate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements.
Strongly Disagree Moderately Disagree Slightly Disagree Slightly Agree Moderately Agree Strongly Agree
If I need to talk, I can discuss problems with someone who will listen
Maintaining close relationships with others is difficult for me
If I feel low, I can turn to friends or family members for support
If I want to do something special, I have friends or family members who will share the experience with me
If I need help, I can turn to family members or friends
I often feel lonely because I lack quality contact with friends or family members
 
 
 
Engagement in the community
 
Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements.
Strongly Disagree Moderately Disagree Slightly Disagree Slightly Agree Moderately Agree Strongly Agree
I feel that I am able to make a positive contribution to my community or society in general
I find it easy to communicate with people from different backgrounds (e.g., race, outlooks)
I feel comfortable using the Internet, the media, or community gatherings, to express my opinion about social issues of concern to me
I am not able to communicate my thoughts and feelings to other people well
I enjoy getting involved in group activities, such as those involving social, sporting, community, or common interest groups
Volunteering my time or services to help others in the community plays a significant part of my life
 
 
 
Treatment by others
 
Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements.
Strongly Disagree Moderately Disagree Slightly Disagree Slightly Agree Moderately Agree Strongly Agree
I feel safe from harm or abuse (physical or emotional) within my regular place of living
I am able to live without fear of harassment, ridicule, discrimination, or abuse based on who I am
I feel safe on the streets around where I live
I feel respected as an individual
I feel treated as an equal within society
I feel I have the freedom to make my own choices
I have never experienced cyberbullying (bullying or harassment over the Internet)
 
 
 
Standard of living
 
Over the last 12 months:
Never Rarely Sometimes Often Always
I could afford to buy fresh food on a weekly basis
I had to seek assistance from welfare or community organisations because of a shortage of money
I could afford to spend money on a day or evening out once a fortnight
I had to struggle to meet my financial commitments
I had to borrow from friends or family members to pay bills
After paying regular bills I had some money left over to buy something I considered a treat
 
 
 
4 pages remaining...


Control over your life
 
Please indicate to what extent you agree or disagree with the following statements.
Strongly Disagree Moderately Disagree Slightly Disagree Neither Agree nor Disagree Slightly Agree Moderately Agree Strongly Agree
In general, I feel in charge of the situation in which I live
I often feel overwhelmed by my responsibilities
I have been able to create a lifestyle for myself that is much to my liking
The demands of everyday life often get me down
 
 
 
Life satisfaction
 
Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements.
Strongly Disagree Moderately Disagree Slightly Disagree Neither Agree nor Disagree Slightly Agree Moderately Agree Strongly Agree
In most ways my life is close to ideal
The conditions of my life are excellent
I am satisfied with my life
If I could live my life over, I would change almost nothing
 
 
 
Your mood
 
This scale consists of a number of words that describle different feeling and emotions. Read each item and indicate to what extent you GENERALLY feel this way (that is, on average).
Very slightly (or not at all) A little Moderately Quite a bit Extremely
Excited
Distressed
Enthusiastic
Upset
Alert
Scared
Inspired
Nervous
Determined
Afraid
 
 
 
Last page!


Back to the Internet...
 
To what extent has the Internet improved:
Not at all 2 Somewhat 4 Quite a bit 6 Very much
Your social life
Your knowledge and skills
The support you experience from others
Your feeling that others respect you
Your standard of living
Your health
Your sense of safety and security
Your feeling that you will be treated fairly under the law
The conditions under which you work (whether paid or unpaid)
Your ability to be and express yourself
Your ability to have a voice in society
The extent to which you feel part of the community and society in which you live
 
 
 
Thank you for completing our survey!

Here are the contact details again if you wish to make a comment or ask a question about the survey. Please take note of the relevant information.
 
 
This study has been cleared in accordance with the ethical review process of the CSIRO Human Research Ethics Committee and within the guidelines of the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. If you would like to find out more about the research, please feel free to contact the researchers involved (see details below). Any concerns or complaints about the project can be raised with CSIRO’s Social Science Human Ethics Committee via [email protected] or by contacting the Manager of Social Responsibility and Ethics on (07) 3833 5693.

Alternatively, please contact one of the researchers:

Dr. Sharon Dane
t: 07 3327 4073
e: [email protected]

Dr. Claire Mason
t: 07 3327 4164
e: [email protected]
 
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