Using E-mail for Family Research

Abstract

This article discusses conceptual, methodological, and ethical challenges of using e-mail to study families and offers strategies to address them. Specifically, the unique nature of issues related to sampling and data collection are addressed. Suggested adjustments and strategies include the use of insiders' consultation, securing opportunities for all family members to voice their views, creating paths for expressing content typically conveyed nonverbally, letting respondents control the pace and shape of the dialogue, creating a virtual shared reality and informing participants about measures to protect their privacy. Directions for future research are offered.

KEYWORDS:

• e-mail and family research
• Internet and family research
• research and e-mail
• research and Internet
• research and world wide web

Acknowledgments

Drs. Berger and Paul acknowledge the contributions of Drs. Eric Blythe and Lucy Frith to the Embryo Recruitment study referred to in this article.