Abstract
The internet is used across a range of disciplines to conduct qualitative research and qualitative psychologists are increasingly turning to the internet as a medium for conducting interviews. In this article we explore the first author’s experience of conducting synchronous online interviews using instant messaging or ‘chat’ software. We highlight the costs and benefits of conducting online interviews and reflect on the development of a rapport with participants within this medium. In particular, we consider how researchers can attempt to make online interviewing less abrupt and more conversational, how researchers can demonstrate ‘listening’ and how insider/outsider status of the interviewer effects interaction within online interviews.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 354-369 |
| Number of pages | 16 |
| Journal | Qualitative Research in Psychology |
| Volume | 8 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Oct 2011 |
Bibliographical note
This is an electronic version of an article published in Jowett, Adam; Peel, Elizabeth A. and Shaw, Rachel L. (2011). Online interviewing in psychology: reflections on the process. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 8 (4), pp. 354-369. Qualitative Research in Psychology is available online at: http://www.informaworld.com/openurl?genre=article&issn=1478-0887&volume=8&issue=4&spage=354Keywords
- synchronous online interviews
- internet
- LGBTQ research
- health research
- rapport