Are you considering conducting your doctoral research online? Drawing on the researchers’ own experiences of conducting online qualitative research, this session will cover the opportunities and challenges of conducting online research and equip early-career researchers with an understanding of the practicalities of conducting online research. We will cover a range of topics, including ethical considerations, effective recruitment strategies, safeguarding, data handling, and ways to manage the emerging challenges of fraudulent or spam participants. Understanding the steps that you can take to ensure you are responsive to the potential for spam participants will help you to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by online qualitative research. You’ll benefit from the insights of experienced guest lecturers and participate in lively discussions based on real-world examples from facilitators across diverse disciplines within the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at The University of Edinburgh.
This workshop would suit early-career researchers eager to explore best practices in this dynamic field and no prior experience of online qualitative research is necessary. The workshop offers new perspectives for those unfamiliar with online interviewing, will support those actively developing research plans, and will provides those collecting data the chance to refine protocols, enhance data rigour, and troubleshoot challenges. Ultimately, the event provides skills beneficial for any researcher engaged in online qualitative methods, ensuring robust and ethical research—key elements regardless of discipline.
The hybrid workshops (2x 3.5 hrs) will share real examples from ongoing research projects – asking attendees to reflect on the scenarios and to consider how they may prevent and respond to spam participants. The interactive workshops, offered in-person and online, will include a mix of pair-work, small-group (breakout) discussions, and delivered content. We provide all materials and readings in advance, and recordings of lectures, along with additional resources, will be available for your convenience. Join us to expand your research toolkit and connect with a vibrant community of scholars. The workshops will not cover the analysis of data.
Draft programme:
10-11am: Part 1
11-11.15am: Break
11.15-12.30pm: Part 2
12.30-1.15pm: Lunch and networking
1.15-2.30pm: Part 3
Venue:
Edinburgh Futures Institute (7 May in room 1.40 & 8 May in room 1.50) and online (via Teams)