The purpose of this pilot study was to compare the cost, accuracy, and efficiency of a web-enhanced
handheld computer data collection system with those of the traditional paper-based data collection
and management system and to increase awareness/knowledge of researchers on these two data
collection and management methods. This is an important topic because funding resources are
diminishing and high startup costs associated with automated data collection systems may give
researchers pause when faced with these financial expenditures. Hence, this information will position
grant writers and funders to make intelligent decisions regarding the feasibility and advantage of
web-enhanced electronic data collection strategies