Using internet video calls in qualitative (longitudinal) interviews: some implications for rapport

Abstract

Forming part of the new ‘methodological frontier’ the use of digital communication technologies has become increasingly commonplace in social research. Whilst audio-only online interviews and asynchronous means of communicating online has been discussed for over two decades, video capabilities; being able to see a participant face-to-face online (e.g. via Skype, Face Time, Google Hangouts) is a much more recent phenomenon. Discussion of such new opportunities has tended to centre on the practicalities and technicalities. Alternatively, this paper moves beyond the recent empiricist focus to reflect critically on the implications of using internet video calls on methodological matters of importance to qualitative (longitudinal) researchers. Drawing on a long-standing qualitative longitudinal study following lives of over 50 young people, the paper focuses on the potentials and pitfalls for rapport of using internet video calls for qualitative interviewing. The findings have resonance for short-term studies, and longitudinal endeavours.

Keywords:

• Data quality
• disclosure
• online interview
• qualitative
• rapport
• video

Notes

1. This paper builds on arguments presented in Weller (2015).

2. Conducted with Prof. Rosalind Edwards, University of Southampton.

3. Attrition was mainly attributed to a loss of contact rather than refusal to participate in a remote interview.

4. All attempts to use Face Time failed due to technical difficulties with participants’ equipment and alternative means used.

5. The low response rate to the online survey is likely to be accounted for by: (i) participants’ lack of familiarity completing such surveys as part of the study; and (ii) the lag between the online discussion and receiving a link to the survey via email or letter.

6. To ensure that any differences were not simply due to time, younger and older participants were selected so that any age implications could be identified cross-sectionally, across waves.