Internet Communication and Qualitative Research: A Handbook for Researching Online (New Technologies for Social Research series) [Paperback]

Chris Mann (Author), Fiona Stewart (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0761966277 | ISBN-13: 978-0761966272 | Publication Date: September 5, 2000 | Edition: 1

Communication and Qualitative Research is the first textbook to examine the impact of Internet technology on qualitative research methods. Drawing on many pioneering studies using computer-mediated communication (CMC), the authors show how online researchers can employ Internet-based qualitative methods to collect rich, descriptive, contextually-situated data. They discuss the methodological, practical and theoretical considerations associated with such methods as in-depth online interviewing, virtual focus groups, and participant observation in virtual communities. This is a comprehensive and practical guide that:

• Reviews online research practice and basic Internet technology
• Looks in detail at the skills required by the online researcher
• Examines the ethical, confidentiality, security, and legal issues involved in online research
• Considers the theoretical challenges surrounding data collected in a "virtual venue"
• Addresses the social and cultural impact of researching online through a discussion of power, gender, and identity issues in the virtual world

Internet Communication and Qualitative Research will be an indispensable guide for all students and researchers working in the digital age.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`Internet Communication and Qualitative Research is a trailblazing

introduction to data sources that will come to the fore in the new

millennium. Its cogent discussion of the techniques, ethics and methods of

analysis of Internet data should be read by every qualitative researcher' - David Silverman, Goldsmiths' College

`Mann and Stewart have prized open the mysteries of online qualitative research.

For those new to this methodology the technology review demystifies; the social

science research ethics issues are re-addressed with reference to the online

situation; methods of conducting online focus groups and interviews, in

particular, are detailed. The tone is both analytical and practical with a host

of techniques suggested. I recommend this accessible text for all qualitative

researchers, both academic and practitioner' - Rehan Ul-Haq, University of Birmingham Business School

"Opens to view a whole new avenue for social research. Internet communication is the wave of the future. Mann and Stewart capture its potential with insight, caution, and consummate procedural skill. Pathbreaking in its area of research methodology! Students and researchers will be very pleased with its clarity and usefulness." 

(Jaber Gubrium )

"The internet is exploding with possibilities for conducting social research. Mann and Stewart offer the first in-depth consideration of the prospects and potentially for doing qualitative research on-line. This wide ranging, clearly-written book is essential reading for researchers working at the cutting edge of qualitative methodology." 

(James Holstein )

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd; 1 edition (September 5, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761966277
• ISBN-13: 978-0761966272
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #775,852 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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