Recommendations for Internet-Based Qualitative Health Research With Hard-to-Reach Populations. (April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wilkerson, J. Michael; Iantaffi, Alex; Grey, Jeremy A.; Bockting, Walter O.; Rosser, B. R. Simon
• Is Part Of: Qualitative health research. Volume 24:Number 4(2014:Apr.)
• Page Start: 561
• Page End: 574
• Publication Date: 2014-04
• Subjects: gays and lesbians -- gender -- Internet -- research, qualitative -- teaching/learning strategies -- technology, use in research; Health -- Periodicals; Health behavior -- Periodicals; Health -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Health behavior -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; 610.7205
• DOI: 10.1177/1049732314524635
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1049-7323

Abstract

Researchers new to online qualitative health research frequently have questions about how to transfer knowledge of offline data collection to an online environment. In this article, we present best-practice guidelines derived from the literature and our experience to help researchers determine if an online qualitative study design is appropriate for their research project and, if so, when to begin data collection with a hard-to-reach population. Researchers should reflect on administrative, population, and data collection considerations when deciding between online and offline data collection. Decisions must be made regarding whether to conduct interviews or focus groups, to collect data using asynchronous or synchronous methods, and to use only text or to incorporate visual media. Researchers should also reflect on human subjects, recruitment, research instrumentation, additional data collection, and public relations considerations when writing protocols to guide the research team's response to various situations. Our recommendations direct researchers' reflection on these considerations.