Data collection investigating whether online civic ‘self-help’ sites provide an entryway into civic and political engagement. Data were gathered on usage of the sites, levels of political and community involvement, political trust, interpersonal trust, political efficacy, perceptions of influence and competence. The programme of data collection included a two-wave online panel survey, online focus groups and weekly online time diaries collected over a period of 12 weeks. Participants were users of the websites developed by mySociety, who were recruited using banners posted on the websites and emails sent to registered users. This project will investigate whether the online environment and civic sector organisations like mySociety are providing a new pathways to democratic participation for individuals who are typically less socially and politically engaged. Through mySociety sites people can contact local authorities and raise specific concerns about local roads and transport. A key question we investigate here is whether this type of practical engagement leads to wider involvement in the community and politics? We do so using a combination of survey analysis of site users, focus group interviews and time diaries. The findings will give a unique insight for both academics and practitioners into the value of these online community portals as channels for integrating less well-served communities and individuals into broader social and political structures.
Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through: (1) two-wave online panel survey, (2) weekly online time diaries over 12 weeks, and (3) online focus groups. (1) Online panel survey to users of four mySociety websites. The first wave was conducted between 13th Feb – 31st March 2014. Respondents were recruited using a banner on each website and through invitation to participate in emails received by registered users. The Second wave was fielded between 10th – 25th July 2014 to respondents to the first wave who consented to be contacted again. The sample size after wave 1 was N= 6,243 (17% first-time users). 30% of respondents to wave 1 (1,878) agreed to be contacted again for other activities as part of the project. The sample size after wave 2: N=719 (38% response rate). (2) Online time diaries. Participants recruited among survey respondents were invited to keep a weekly diary over a period of 3 months. Every week, participants received an invitation to fill a new diary entry. The diary entries were comprised of a mix of closed- and open-ended questions. Out of 1,878 survey respondents contacted, 389 participants completed at least one diary. The average number of diaries completed was 6. The maximum was 12 and the minimum was 1. (3) Online focus groups. Participants were recruited among survey respondents (only non-diarists) based on their characteristics. Participants registered in an online platform similar to a discussion forum. Asynchronous discussion were held during 7 days (22 - 28 April 2014). Moderators asked questions and guided the debate. The questions asked were: Day 1: Your use of the MySociety sites; Day 2: How useful the mySociety websites are; Day 3: MySociety and ‘making a difference’; Day 4: Participating online and offline; Day 5 and 6: Discussing with others; Day 7: Final thoughts.
