Measuring Broadband and Its Impacts

Abstract

One of the core methods used in many evaluation studies is survey research. This chapter discusses the challenges of measuring behavioral change and the impacts of broadband use through surveys and addresses how evaluators can get the most from repeated surveys (pre- and post-studies and panel studies). This chapter draws on lessons from a national panel study of participants that included nearly two thousand Internet Essentials users and was uniquely positioned to examine the experience of individuals and families who moved from being non-adopters to broadband adopters, assessing their adoption and engagement pathways. Such research provides policy-relevant evidence and recommendations for practice. The chapter also discusses how evaluators can work with diverse stakeholders (policymakers, local officials, funders, and others) to encourage evaluation and to assist them in using research findings. What is it that such stakeholders expect or want to know about technology and its impacts on individuals and society?