Callaghan, J., Barber, H., Cusik, C. and Buchanan, K. (2010) Chatting online: the use of instant messaging in qualitative research. Symposium presented to: British Psychological Society Qualitative Methods in Psychology Section (QMiP) Conference 2010, University of Nottingham, 23-25 August 2010. (Unpublished)
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Abstract:
The turn towards cyberculture, social networking and online interaction is now well established in western culture. In this paper we explore the use of instant messaging as a tool in qualitative research. Using data from an online project exploring ‘celebrity worship’ in online communities, we argue that instant messaging offers researchers and intriguing hybrid of conversational interaction that in many ways is akin to ‘chatting’ in the ‘real world’ and reflection in the written form. We consider the ways that this form of interaction converges with and diverges from more traditional qualitative formats like face to face individual interviews. We argue that it offers an interesting opportunity to explore what happens when research participants are able to express themselves in writing, while at the same time engaging in real-time dialogue. We look at the role of emoticons as a form of paralinguistic expression. We consider what it means to be conducting an interview with someone who, in keeping with online conversational etiquette, is quite happy to pop off without warning to make a cup of tea or answer the door, and who may be running several simultaneous chat windows along with your own
Uncontrolled Keywords:
Online interviews, instant messaging, message boards, internet, celebrity worship, fans
Subjects:
B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology > BF76.5 Psychology research
Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA75 Electronic computers. Computer science > QA76.9C66 Computers and civilization
T Technology > TK Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering > TK5101 Telecommunication > TK5105.73 Electronic messaging
Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA75 Electronic computers. Computer science > QA76.9C66 Computers and civilization
T Technology > TK Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering > TK5101 Telecommunication > TK5105.73 Electronic messaging
Creators:
Callaghan, J., Barber, H., Cusik, C. and Buchanan, K.
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Health & Society > Psychology
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Group > Social and Cultural Research in Psychology Group
Faculties > Faculty of Health & Society > Psychology
Research Centres > Centre for Psychology and Social Sciences
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Group > Social and Cultural Research in Psychology Group
Faculties > Faculty of Health & Society > Psychology
Research Centres > Centre for Psychology and Social Sciences
Date:
23 August 2010
Date Type:
Presentation
Event Title:
British Psychological Society Qualitative Methods in Psychology Section (QMiP) Conference 2010
Event Dates:
23-25 August 2010
Event Location:
University of Nottingham
Event Type:
Conference
Language:
English
Status:
Unpublished
Refereed:
No
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