BEST PRACTICES FOR TRANSPORTATION AGENCY USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
148
© 2010 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
statistically random sample to provide detailed insights about specic
population groups of interest.
The use of social media to develop a sample, however, should be pur-
sued with caution. According to DeVall (n.d.), the quality of such online
panels drawn solely from social media may result in a biased sample. This
issue may be resolved in part by using a vetting process to screen out pro-
fessional survey participants or those with alternative agendas.
In some instances, however, the vetting process may be facilitated by
the use of social media. For example, blogs and wikis often have member-
ship requirements, and online social networking sites ...