More and more researchers are now conducting their social work research online, through emails, webpages and instant messaging. Although this is a relatively new methodology, there has already been research into its ethics. Research governance guidelines should acknowledge the governance of online research, as it raises different issues from other qualitative methodologies.
online questionnaires
One of the most effective ways of conducting online research is through an online questionnaire. This is posted onto a specially designed webpage that respondents can then be directed to. The webpage should explain:
- the purpose of the study
- practical arrangements
- information about the researchers
- where the findings will be posted
By doing this, researchers can ensure that respondents have as much knowledge as possible about the study, so that they can make an informed choice about whether to proceed.
As well as this introduction to the study, visitors to the website could also be provided with an email address to which they can send any queries about the research or the findings. Researchers should be aware of their commitment to responding to such queries, especially if their study is of a sensitive nature.
It is difficult to obtain the same level of informed consent from an online questionnaire as a face-to-face meeting. It is possible to attach a consent form to an email, and ask respondents to fill it in and email it back, but there are questions about whether the potential participant really does understand the consequences of the research, and whether this is as valid as a written signature.
confidentiality and risks
The internet does allow researchers to send out questionnaires anonymously, but this means that the researcher is less aware of the potential adverse effects of the study upon individuals taking part. Similarly, while researchers can promise that they will use the data confidentially, they cannot guarantee that emails won’t be intercepted and used by others.
Participants need to be aware of these risks before they hand over personal data, and researchers can explore this through the research governance process.
instant messaging and chatrooms
Researchers are beginning to see the benefits of using chatrooms and instant messaging as research methods to target young people as research participants. However, this has its own problems that research governance procedures should address:
- It is unethical for the researcher to "spy" on a chatroom conversation and use what is said in their findings without informing the participants first.
- You can never tell exactly who you are speaking to. If participants are not who they say they are, this could adversely affect the results, and, more importantly, put other vulnerable people in the group, including children under 18, at risk.
- The young people with a 'voice' in such synchronous (real-time) discussions, are the ones who can type the fastest. This puts participants who do not speak English as their first language at a disadvantage.
During such conversations, researchers need to be aware of the subjects that are not participating as much, and encourage them to come forward with their own views.
