Ethical Issues in Conducting Qualitative Research in Online Communities

Abstract

Increasingly, psychologists are extending their research to include online methods of data collection. Psychologists’ use of qualitative data obtained or generated online for research purposes poses unique challenges because of the “traceability” of quotes, often sensitive content of data and potential impact on both individuals and online communities. In this article, working within a framework that goes beyond “procedural ethics” to examine “ethics in practice,” ethical issues associated with conducting qualitative research within online communities are identified. These include tensions over public/private space, authorship versus human research participants, informed consent, anonymity and pseudonymity, covert research, deceptive research identities, reactions to being researched, and the quality of data obtained. Prior to conducting qualitative research in online communities, researchers have an ethical obligation to identify and weigh possible risks and benefits to both the community and community members. Sensitivity to the specific online community and continued ethical consideration throughout the conduct and reporting of the research are required.

Keywords:

• anonymity
• covert research
• deception
• ethics
• informed consent
• online communities
• pseudonymity
• qualitative research

Notes

1. See the section “Determining Whether an Online Community Constitutes Public or Private Space” in this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lynne D. Roberts

Lynne D. Roberts is an Associate Professor in the School of Psychology and Speech Pathology at Curtin University in Western Australia. Her interest in the ethics of conducting qualitative research in online communities stemmed from conducting two grounded theory studies of early virtual communities almost two decades ago. She has since published 20 book chapters and articles presenting the results of online research and methodological and ethical issues associated with conducting online research.