Learning from lockdown: balancing the benefits and pitfalls of virtual data collection.

Speaker(s):

Sally Sharp, University of Northampton

Abstract:

This webinar provides opportunities for the collaborative evaluation of virtual interviewing (VI). It is inspired by the critical reflections of two post graduate researchers forced to adopt alternative methods for data collection as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions. Our initial individual reflections challenged the view that VI was inferior to face-to-face methods. Despite different research areas and different professional backgrounds and driven by our shared interest in methodology, we continued reflecting collaboratively. We hosted two seminars with members of post graduate researcher (PGR) communities. Using reflexive thematic analysis, three overarching themes were created: choice, identity, and context, with ethics identified as integral. Using the themes as prompts for discussion, the webinar invites contributions from researchers and practitioners with experience of, or interest in, VI data collection and or data analysis. Our initial findings suggest VI has secured a place for the future, but what do others think?