Doing Qualitative Research Online

by Janet E. Salmons

Qualitative researchers can now connect with participants online to collect deep, rich data and generate new understandings of contemporary research phenomena. Doing Qualitative Research Online gives students and researchers the practical and scholarly foundations needed to gain digital research literacies essential for designing and conducting studies based on qualitative data collected online. The book will take a broad view of methodologies, methods and ethics,

Ethical issues in research design and ethical relationships with participants Designing online qualitative studies Collecting qualitative data online through interviews, observations, participatory and arts-based research and a wide range of posts and documents. Analyzing data and reporting findings Written by a scholar-practitioner in e-learning and online academia with 15 years’ experience, this book will help all those new to online research by providing a range of examples and illustrations from published research. The text and accompanying materials will offer discussion and assignment ideas for ease of adoption. 

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 8, 2016

Reviews

[Jeffrey Keefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great primer on qualitative research overall, with focused examples for designing and engaging in online or e-research studies in particular. Many methodology texts do not address specific issues of research that occur or focuses online, yet issues of concern--such as with online research ethics, using existing data, and the often public nature of online communication--require additional attention and expertise when seeking to research using technologies. While there have been various texts that have handled aspects of online research, this is the first one I have encountered that connects these areas of experience with wider methodological concerns without watering down what is different. Those who claim that technologies do not fundamentally impact the research process most likely have never really experienced them within the research process. Thankfully, Janet's text is a welcome addition to a growing area of specialization and can be useful for those of us working in the social sciences, technology enhanced learning, and internet studies.

[Cassey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful for those considering doing qualitative research online.