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Instant messaging: a novel means of facilitating the participation of hard-to-reach groups in sensitive topic research

Jordan Dawson Orcid Logo, Alys Einion, Deborah Jones Orcid Logo

Qualitative Research Journal, Volume: 21, Issue: 2, Pages: 206 - 216

Swansea University Authors: Jordan Dawson Orcid Logo, Alys Einion, Deborah Jones Orcid Logo

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DOI (Published version): 10.1108/qrj-06-2020-0061

Abstract

As society becomes ever more reliant on internet technology for everyday communications, this paper explores the use of Instant Messaging (IM) in qualitative research. Discussed within the context of sensitive topic research with potentially hidden and hard-to-reach groups, the purpose of this paper...

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Published in: Qualitative Research Journal
ISSN: 1443-9883
Published: Emerald 2020
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URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa55218
Abstract: As society becomes ever more reliant on internet technology for everyday communications, this paper explores the use of Instant Messaging (IM) in qualitative research. Discussed within the context of sensitive topic research with potentially hidden and hard-to-reach groups, the purpose of this paper is to discuss the value of adaptive and contemporary research approaches which facilitate participation on the terms of the participant.Reflecting on the data collection process from the primary authors PhD research, this paper critically considers some of the issues raised by IM facilitated semi-structured interviews, using a telephone interview completed as part of the same date collection process as a point of comparison.This paper raises a number of issues, including how the perceived depth of participant response is influenced by their brevity, resultant of the space between parties which allows for considered and concise communication. This disconnect, created by the use of technology, also has implications for the power relations between researcher and participant, and the ability to identify the non-verbal cues which communicate emotion and sentiment.This paper highlights that whilst limited in some respects, an IM facilitated interview provides a unique platform through which hidden and hard to reach groups may be empowered to participate in research, which they may usually avoid.
Keywords: technology; sex work; hard-to-reach groups; sensitive topic
College: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Issue: 2
Start Page: 206
End Page: 216

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