INTRODUCTION

The dynamic development of information and communications technology (ICT) and the constant increase in the availability and usability of the Internet affect the functioning of individuals and social groups, public institutions, markets, business entities and others. Therefore, the researchers' interest in examining this field seems justified.

The Internet in research studies is most often defined at three mutually conditioning levels of analysis – as a medium of communication, a technological tool (network of networks) and a place of realization of social and economic interaction. [Markham 2004, p. 96]. The last area is the basis for analyses in this study.

The purpose of the study is to analyse research methodology used by Polish academics in their studies of the activities of companies on the Internet. The purpose is twofold. Firstly, the study is supposed to show typical principles of research methodology. Secondly, thanks to the review, it allows to create recommendations for future research. Thus, the analysis refers to the systematization and identification of the type of research which is of interest to Polish academics.

From this purpose, there appear two basic directions of the analysis:

1. – the establishment of subject areas of research of the Internet conducted by Polish academics,

2. – the identification of the principles of research methodology used by Polish researchers.