Methodology
This report is based on the findings of a daily tracking survey on Americans’ use of the Internet. The results in this report are based on data from telephone interviews conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International between November 30 to December 30, 2006, among a sample of 2,373 adults, 18 and older. For results based on the total sample, one can say with 95% confidence that the error attributable to sampling and other random effects is plus or minus 2.3 percentage points. For results based Internet users (n=1623), the margin of sampling error is plus or minus 2.7 percentage points. In addition to sampling error, question wording and practical difficulties in conducting telephone surveys may introduce some error or bias into the findings of opinion polls.
Approximately half the sample received questions pertaining to wireless internet use, or 798 internet users. For results based on the sample of 798 internet users, one can say with 95% confidence that the error attributable to sampling and other random effects is plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.
The sample for this survey is a random digit sample of telephone numbers selected from telephone exchanges in the continental United States. The random digit aspect of the sample is used to avoid “listing” bias and provides representation of both listed and unlisted numbers (including not-yet-listed numbers). The design of the sample achieves this representation by random generation of the last two digits of telephone numbers selected on the basis of their area code, telephone exchange, and bank number. The final response rate is 27 percent.
December 2006 Tracking Survey
Final Topline, 1/5/07
Data for November 30 – December 30, 2006
Princeton Survey Research Associates International for the Pew Internet & American Life Project
Sample: n = 2,373 adults 18 and older
Interviewing dates: 11.30.06 – 12.30.06
- Margin of error is plus or minus 2 percentage points for results based on total sample [n=2,373]
- Margin of error is plus or minus 3 percentage points for results based on total internet users [n=1,623]
MODEMB What kind of internet connection do you have at home? Do you use a dial-up telephone line, or do you have some other type of connection, such as a DSL-enabled phone line, a cable TV modem, a wireless connection, or a T-1 or fiber optic connection?
NETH Do you happen to have a computer network that links your computers at home together, whether through a network cable or a wireless network? (If yes:) Is it through a network cable or wireless?
GAD1 Do you happen to have…?
LAP1 Is your laptop computer able to connect to the internet using a WIRELESS network, or not?
LAP2 Do you ever use your laptop to connect to…?
LAP3 When you use your laptop to connect to your wireless network at home, do you generally use it in one place in your home, or do you move it around with you and use it in different parts of your home?
GAD2 Do you happen to have…?
CP1 Do you ever use your cell phone to access the internet or email…?
PDA1 Do you ever use your PDA to access the internet or email…?
