Internet Communication and Qualitative Research : A Handbook for Researching Online

by Chris Mann

• ISBN13: 9780761966272
• ISBN10: 0761966277
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-09-05
• Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd

Summary

"The internet is exploding with possibilities for conducting social research. Mann and Stewart offer the first in-depth consideration of the prospects and potentials for doing qualitative research on-line. This wide ranging, clearly-written book is essential reading for researchers working at the cutting edge of qualitative methodology." ?James Holstein, Marquette University "Opens to view a whole new avenue for social research. Internet communication is the wave of the future. Mann and Stewart capture its potential with insight, caution, and consummate procedural skill. Pathbreaking in its area of research methodology! Students and researchers will be very pleased with its clarity and usefulness." ?Jaber Gubrium, University of Florida Internet Communication and Qualitative Research is the first textbook to examine the impact of Internet technology on qualitative research methods. Drawing on many pioneering studies using computer-mediated communication (CMC), the authors show how online researchers can employ Internet-based qualitative methods to collect rich, descriptive, contextually-situated data. They discuss the methodological, practical and theoretical considerations associated with such methods as in-depth online interviewing, virtual focus groups, and participant observation in virtual communities. This is a comprehensive and practical guide that: Reviews online research practice and basic Internet technology Looks in detail at the skills required by the online researcher Examines the ethical, confidentiality, security, and legal issues involved in online research Considers the theoretical challenges surrounding data collected in a "virtual venue" Addresses the social and cultural impact of researching online through a discussion of power, gender, and identity issues in the virtual world Internet Communication and Qualitative Research will be an indispensable guide for all students and researchers working in the digital age.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	ix
Introduction	1	(16)
Defining Terms	2	(1)
Researching the Internet	3	(3)
Towards Internet Methodologies	6	(1)
Technology Introduction	7	(10)
Practicalities of Using CMC	17	(22)
Advantages of CMC	17	(9)
Challenges of Using CMC	26	(5)
Internet Access and Usage	31	(8)
An Ethical Framework	39	(26)
Principles of Fair Information Processing Online	40	(7)
Practical Ethical Guidelines	47	(1)
Informed Consent	48	(9)
Confidentiality	57	(2)
Netiquette	59	(3)
Conclusion	62	(3)
Introducing Online Methods	65	(34)
Standardized Interviews	66	(9)
Non-standardized Interviews	75	(9)
Observational Techniques	84	(1)
Observation of Linguistic Behaviour	85	(2)
Participant Observation	87	(4)
Collecting Personal Documents	91	(4)
Mixed Methods	95	(2)
Conclusion	97	(2)
Online Focus Groups	99	(27)
The Focus Group Method	99	(2)
Online Focus Groups	101	(2)
Set-up and Access Requirements	103	(2)
The Online Venue and Environment	105	(6)
Selecting Online Participants	111	(10)
Online Discussion	121	(2)
Rigour and Validity in Online Focus Groups	123	(1)
Conclusion	124	(2)
The Online Interviewer	126	(34)
Is CMC a Suitable Medium for Interviewing?	126	(4)
Purpose and Focus of the Interview	130	(2)
Aspects of Technical Experties	132	(4)
Interpersonal Expertise Online	136	(8)
Relational Expertise in Group Discussions	144	(3)
Asking Questions	147	(5)
Asking Questions in Groups	152	(5)
Finishing Interviews	157	(2)
Conclusion	159	(1)
Power Issues in Internet Research	160	(21)
Visual Social Cues and Power Relations	162	(3)
Gender and Social Cues Online	165	(1)
Language as Social Cue	166	(1)
Gendered Language Online	166	(1)
Reconsidering the Online Environment	167	(2)
Semi-Private Interaction Using CMC	169	(7)
Public Interaction Using CMC	176	(4)
Conclusion	180	(1)
Language Mode and Analysis	181	(14)
CMC as a `Hybrid' Mode of Communication	181	(8)
Is CMC an Effective Research Mode?	189	(4)
Further Implications for Data Analysis	193	(1)
Conclusion	194	(1)
Virtuality and Data	195	(21)
Entering the Field Using CMC	195	(3)
Researching Unfamiliar Cultures	198	(3)
Researching Familiar Cultures	201	(2)
Researching Online Cultures	203	(4)
Online Field and Data	207	(1)
Identity and Disembodiment	208	(3)
Implications of Disembodiment for Research Practice	211	(3)
Conclusion	214	(2)
Future Directions	216	(3)
Glossary	219	(3)
Appendix A: Online Consent Form	222	(3)
Appendix B: An Email Text-based Survey	225	(3)
Appendix C: A Web-page-based Survey	228	(2)
References	230	(19)
Index	249