Prepare for Online Interviews

We focused on collecting data online in June. This open access article adds some new food for thought! Researcher Megan Topping says:

Online qualitative interviewing can open opportunities for researchers when face-to-face methods are not possible, whether that be due to restrictions imposed because of a global pandemic, or because the research population is geographically dispersed or has variable access needs. However, it is important to take into consideration how the transition to online data collection may impact the research population, and in turn the interview data. In our transition to online methods last year, we conducted a rapid narrative review of the literature to learn about the practical, ethical and methodological considerations important when interviewing remotely, with a specific interest in researching people with acquired brain injury. This review highlighted the benefits and challenges of online interviewing, along with suggestions for practice when interviewing participants online. Though, our focus was people with acquired brain injury, the considerations for practice apply more broadly. One such consideration is how moving to an online environment can impact the authenticity of the research data. Data authenticity is fundamental to quality qualitative research, thus there are a number of mechanisms researchers utilise to increase the authenticity of data. Strategies to increase data authenticity are primarily focused on building rapport and ensuring the participant is comfortable to share authentic life experiences, as well as building in a data verification strategy. In the paper, we discuss the impact of shifting to an online environment on data authenticity and provide suggestions to overcome potential challenges. We also discuss how different interview methods, for example email-interviewing, can affect the authenticity of data, with particular focus on people with acquired brain injury.

Topping, M., Douglas, J., & Winkler, D. (2021). General Considerations for Conducting Online Qualitative Research and Practice Implications for Interviewing People with Acquired Brain Injury. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 20, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069211019615