Using Online Video Platforms for Qualitative Research: Benefits and Challenges

1. Introduction: The Digital Evolution in Qualitative Research

The rapid development and widespread adoption of digital technologies have transformed the way we communicate and interact in various domains of life, including research. Qualitative researchers are increasingly embracing videoconferencing platforms such as Skype, Zoom, and Webex to conduct remote interviews with participants across different locations and contexts. This shift offers exciting new possibilities for data collection and analysis, but also poses unique challenges that require careful consideration and preparation.

2. The Technological Transformation of Research

The main driving force behind the integration of digital interviewing methods is the remarkable technological progress that has occurred over the past decade, which has enhanced the accessibility, functionality, and quality of online communication tools. These tools enable researchers to overcome the limitations and constraints of traditional face-to-face methods, such as time, cost, distance, and availability. They also allow researchers to respond to the changing needs and preferences of modern participants, who may favor more convenient and flexible modes of engagement.

3. Diverse Applications Across Disciplines

Digital interviews have been applied and evaluated across a wide range of disciplines and areas of inquiry, demonstrating their versatility and potential for generating rich and diverse data. Researchers have used these methods to explore topics such as health behaviors, social identities, cultural experiences, educational practices, organizational dynamics, and human-computer interactions. They have also used them to access hard-to-reach or marginalized populations, such as refugees, migrants, prisoners, victims of violence, and people with disabilities.

4. Emerging Benefits and Possibilities

Some of the benefits and opportunities that digital interviews can offer are:

• Broad geographical reach: Digital interviews enable researchers to transcend physical boundaries and connect with participants from different regions, countries, or continents.
• Cost and time savings: By eliminating or reducing travel expenses and logistics for both researchers and participants, digital interviews can result in significant savings in terms of money and time.
• Comfort and candidness: Participants may feel more comfortable and relaxed in their own environment, which may facilitate more open and honest dialogues.
• Accessibility: Digital interviews can accommodate people with different abilities or needs by providing options such as chat, text, email or phone interviews.
• Flexibility and compatibility: Digital interviews can fit better with the busy and dynamic lifestyles of modern participants, making the research process less intrusive and demanding.

5. Pitfalls and Challenges of Remote Interactions

However, digital interviews also entail some drawbacks and difficulties that must be acknowledged and addressed. Some of these are:

• Technological issues: Technical problems such as poor connectivity, equipment failures, software glitches, or power outages can severely disrupt or compromise digital interviews.
• Impacts on intimacy and depth: The lack of physical presence and visual cues may affect the rapport and trust between researchers and participants, as well as the richness and depth of the data collected.
• Ethical complexities: Ensuring privacy, confidentiality, informed consent, and data security in the digital sphere may pose ethical dilemmas and challenges for researchers.
• Methodological implications: The choice of digital platforms and tools may influence the quality, validity, reliability, and interpretation of the data collected.

6. Mitigating Limitations: Strategies from the Literature

To overcome or minimize some of the limitations of digital interviews, researchers can adopt several strategies suggested by existing literature:

• Build initial rapport before substantive dialogues: Establishing a friendly and respectful relationship with participants before starting the interview can help reduce anxiety and increase trust.
• Hone in on verbal cues in lieu of visual ones: Paying close attention to verbal cues such as tone, pace, pauses, or repetitions can help capture the emotions and meanings behind participants’ responses.
• Use follow-up contacts to seek clarification and elaboration: Contacting participants after the interview to ask additional questions or request further information can help fill in any gaps or ambiguities in the data.
• Prioritize equipment readiness and technical support for participants: Providing clear instructions, testing the technology beforehand, ensuring backup options, and offering technical assistance can help prevent or resolve any technical issues that may arise during the interview.

7. Critical Considerations for Researchers

Before deciding to use digital interview methods, researchers must carefully weigh their advantages and disadvantages in relation to their research objectives, questions, context, and resources. They must also consider the following aspects:

• The impact of missing crucial visual/non-verbal cues on data quality and analysis.
• The potential technical frustrations and costs for both researchers and participants.
• The ethical implications of collecting sensitive data online.
• The suitability of remote formats for exploring emotionally charged topics.
• The compatibility of digital tools with participants’ preferences and abilities.

8. Digital vs. In-Person: Truly Comparable?

While existing literature presents a promising picture of digital interviewing methods, it remains unclear whether they can truly replicate or replace the richness and depth of face-to-face interactions. A one-size-fits-all approach is likely unwise. As society grows more digitalized and diverse, researchers must be prepared to adapt and innovate their methods to suit the needs and expectations of their participants and stakeholders. They must also be aware of the strengths and limitations of their chosen methods, and use them with caution and reflexivity.