We made an oral presentation on the validity of measuring teamwork skills and on understanding team structure at the 52nd Congress of the Japanese Society of Social Psychology, held from September 18-19, 2011, at Nagoya University. We also participated in a session on responses of Internet surveys.
　In the "E-Networking" session, reports were made on Internet-based surveys and research using PC and mobile terminals, such as smart phones. This report will highlight the issue of "excessive reporting" which received a great deal of focus in this session. For details of the research, refer to the list of presenters and titles on "E-Networking" below.

　When usage frequency is converted into variables in survey research, the usage frequency is measured based on self-reporting or using an objective method, such as behavioral observation and access log analysis. It is considered desirable if the usage frequency responded by self-reporting does not differ from the objectively measured result. However, it was clear that self-reporting resulted in a higher frequency (excessive reporting) than survey results using objective methods during this session. For example, when Internet usage frequency was surveyed using both self-reporting and access log analysis and the results were compared, the self-reporting showed a higher usage frequency. This poses doubt about the credibility of the self-reporting survey method per se.
　To this issue, different approaches were presented during the session, but a fundamental solution has yet to be reached. One researcher (Tsuzuki, 2011) is exploring the factor of extroversion in the respondents (a keen interest in the external world, strong sociability), and another researcher (Miyata, 2011) points out it is due to social desirability. If all respondents were to resort to excessive reporting, it would not pose much of a problem because the entire response data would be raised. However, if only those with certain attributes such as extroversion resort to excessive reporting, this could cause a major distortion in the interpretation of survey results. This would be a concern.
　Internet surveys have the advantage of gaining objective indicators concerning respondents’ behaviors on the Internet by utilizing analytical data of the access log. Whether social desirability is in the background of excessive viewing in the self-reporting of Internet usage frequency is unclear. Nevertheless, by leveraging objective indicators such as the access log, it is possible to objectively find out the existence of such bias and behaviors on the Internet. I believe it is, therefore, important that we use ingenuities to take advantage of the benefits of Internet surveys.

List of presenters and presentation titles in the "E-Networking" Session *1,2
Takashi Tsuzuki (Rikkyo University)
　On the effect of Internet usage and social skills on interpersonal relationship and
　cognitive delusion of reference
Tetsuro Kobayashi (National Institute of Information)
　Analysis of mobile communication logs using smart phones*3
Kyoko Kato (Tokyo Keizai University)
　Motivations of using Twitter and interpersonal relationships
Tasuku Igarashi (Hokkai Gakuen University)
　Will social media suppress the credibility assessment of demagogy?
　- Examination relative to sense of solitude
Kakuko Miyata (Meiji Gakuin University)
　Analysis of factors regulating political statements on the Internet*3
*1: Listed in the order of presentation.
*2: Only the first author is listed.
*3: Research presentation indicating "excessive reporting"