Online qualitative research has become a recognized and valued addition to other research methods. Sometimes, for sensitive topics for example, it is the ideal location to explore embarrassing situations or problems.
The interview is carried out by typing into an online person to person chat room. While the interviewer uses a question framework to cover certain areas the interview can shift in unplanned directions providing the capacity for informative insights to emerge naturally. Also, areas of significance to the individual respondent’s experience can be further probed using this method.
We have considerable expertise in this area, having pioneered it as a research mechanic in the late 1990s. While clients in this area prefer to remain confidential, topics researched include covert Internet behaviour, sexual health, erectile dysfunction, depression and mental health, happiness and wellbeing and criminal behaviours.
Ellen Gallagher has been working as an offline qualitative researcher and counsellor for 10 years, while Emmet Kelly specializes in online depth interview approaches.
Useful approaches include participant observation, content analysis, depth interviews, and online focus groups.
