A Decision Matrix - Method
Depends3
Either
Ecological Validity
Usually Lab2
Either
Sample bias
Either
Depends1
Effect Size
Web
Either
Statistical Power
High
Low
Sensitivity of Study to/Need:
1 With a small effect size, if the smallness is due to inherent variability of the responses, the web is preferred for the gain in statistical power.  If the smallness is due to sensitivity to conditions, the lab is preferred.

2 if have resources for a real proportional sample – use traditional methods (phone, mail, etc) if not, the web will probably still be more representative than a college sample but both have significant biases

2 If the validity is driven by more varied subject populations – web;  if by more varied conditions - lab