Methods Workshop: Doing Qualitative Research Online

Description

Dr Anne Alexander, Cambridge Digital Humanities
What happens to practices of qualitative research when interactions between researcher and research subject are largely mediated? From observations of users’ interactions on social media platforms, to interviews conducted through WhatsApp or Skype, digital communications offer both opportunities and challenges for qualitative research in a wide range of disciplines across the Social Sciences and Humanities. This methods workshop will explore a wide range of topics including:  
 
Establishing trust and credibility
Engaging with digital gatekeepers
Navigating blurred boundaries between ‘private’ and ‘public’
Re-conceptualising ‘researchers’, the ‘research field’ and ‘ research subjects’
Identity, anonymity and visibility – implications for research practice
Mitigation strategies: from data parsimony to creative obfuscation
Self-care for researchers in online research
Embedding ethical research practice across the project lifecycle 
 
The workshop will take place over two sessions, an introductory seminar and discussion led by Dr Anne Alexander on 1 February, after which participants will be asked to complete a short reflective piece of work assessing their own research design and identifying areas where they feel they need further help and advice. The second session on 8 February will be participant led including small group and plenary discussions exploring strategies for dealing with challenges identified by participants. 
 
Participants should set aside around 1 hour between the two sessions to complete and submit their self-assessment. 
 
Participants are strongly encouraged to attend the CDH Basics session Privacy, information security and consent: a guide for researchers with Dr Anne Alexander on 26 January in advance of the Methods Workshop. 
Visit UTBS to register