Using a Range of Communication Tools to Interview a Hard-to-Reach Population

Orlanda Harvey, Edwin van Teijlingen and Margarete Parrish
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Orlanda Harvey: Bournemouth University, UK
Edwin van Teijlingen: Bournemouth University, UK
Margarete Parrish: Bournemouth University, UK

Sociological Research Online, 2024, vol. 29, issue 1, 221-232

Abstract: Online communication tools are increasingly being used by qualitative researchers; hence it is timely to reflect on the differences when using a broad range of data collection methods. Using a case study with a potentially hard-to-reach substance-using population who are often distrustful of researchers, this article explores the use of a variety of different platforms for interviews. It highlights both the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Face-to-face interviews and online videos offer more opportunity to build rapport, but lack anonymity. Live Webchat and audio-only interviews offer a high level of anonymity, but both may incur a loss of non-verbal communication, and in the Webchat a potential loss of personal narrative. This article is intended for sociologists who wish to broaden their methods for conducting research interviews.

Keywords: anabolic androgenic steroids; drug users; hard-to-reach populations; interviews; qualitative methods; rapport; virtual platforms (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:socres:v:29:y:2024:i:1:p:221-232

DOI: 10.1177/13607804221142212

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