Janet Salmons, Ph.D.

Download the handout at http://www.vision2lead.com/guide_eresearch.pdf

Download the handout at http://www.vision2lead.com/guide_eresearch.pdf

1. Introductions and Overview2. Data Collection for Qualitative Research3. Overview of Online Research Methods4. Ethical Issues in Online Data Collection5. Focus on Online Interviews6. Teaching or Guiding Learners to

Collect Data Online7. Summary

Make sure research design and technology choices are appropriate to purpose of the study.

Make sure proposed study will meet ethical guidelines.

In-depth interviews are about obtaining specific information that later will be analyzed (Rubin & Rubin, 2005).

Qualitative interviewing tends to be seen as involving the construction or reconstruction of knowledge more than the excavation of it (Mason, 2002).

“Research questions that explore an online phenomenon are strengthened through the use of a method of research that closely mirrors the natural setting under investigation” (Geiser, 2002).

Why interview online?

PROS

Ability to tap geographically dispersed sample.

Ability to generate visual as well as verbal data.

Eliminate transcription bias.

CONS

Fewer face-to-face, non-verbal cues.

Lack of context, observation in the environment.

Sample limited to people with access to online space and microphone, etc.

•How will interviewer introduce the research topic and purpose of the study?•How will interviewer pose questions?•What kind of tools will interviewee use to respond?

Which is appropriate for online interviews?

Interviewee can respond with spoken and

written words and images.

“Always be suspicious of data collection that goes according to plan” (Patton, 2002, p. 207).

Visit www.vision2lead.com for more materials about e-learning.

Look for Online Interviews in Real Time from Sage Publications next fall!http://www.vision2lead.com/guide_eresearch.pdfhttp://www.vision2lead.com/guide_eresearch.pdf