an article by Teresa M Amabile (Harvard Business School, Cambridge, MA) published in Work, Aging and Retirement Volume 5 Issue 3 (July 2019)
Abstract
Quantitative research, using surveys and archival data, has contributed much to the field’s understanding of the retirement transition, the factors influencing it, and its consequences.
In this commentary, I argue that, in order to move to a deeper understanding of retirement decisions, retirement processes, and retirement experiences, researchers must add rigorous qualitative studies to their portfolios. Only by asking open-ended questions of people approaching, moving through, or living in retirement can we illuminate deeper psychological issues such as identity maintenance and change, the reconstruction of life narratives and structures, the reciprocal influence of relationships on individual decisions and experiences, and the confrontation of existential questions about the meaning of one’s life
Showing posts with label qualitative_research. Show all posts
Showing posts with label qualitative_research. Show all posts
Thursday, 25 July 2019
Thursday, 13 June 2019
Why deservingness theory needs qualitative research: Comparing focus group discussions on social welfare in three welfare regimes
an article by Tijs Laenen, Federica Rossetti and Wim van Oorschot (KU Leuven, Belgium) published in International Journal of Comparative Sociology Volume 60 Issue 3 (June 2019)
Abstract
This article argues that the ever-growing research field of welfare deservingness is in need of qualitative research. Using focus group data collected in Denmark, Germany, and the United Kingdom, we show that citizens discussing matters of social welfare make explicit reference not only to the deservingness criteria of control, reciprocity, and need but also to a number of context-related criteria extending beyond the deservingness framework (e.g. equality/universalism).
Furthermore, our findings suggest the existence of an institutional logic to welfare preferences, as the focus group participants to a large extent echoed the normative criteria that are most strongly embedded in the institutional structure of their country’s welfare regime.
Whereas financial need is the guiding criterion in the “liberal” United Kingdom, reciprocity is dominant in “corporatist-conservative” Germany. In “social-democratic” Denmark, it appears impossible to single out one dominant normative criterion. Instead, the Danish participants seem torn between the criteria of need, reciprocity, and equality/universalism.
Abstract
This article argues that the ever-growing research field of welfare deservingness is in need of qualitative research. Using focus group data collected in Denmark, Germany, and the United Kingdom, we show that citizens discussing matters of social welfare make explicit reference not only to the deservingness criteria of control, reciprocity, and need but also to a number of context-related criteria extending beyond the deservingness framework (e.g. equality/universalism).
Furthermore, our findings suggest the existence of an institutional logic to welfare preferences, as the focus group participants to a large extent echoed the normative criteria that are most strongly embedded in the institutional structure of their country’s welfare regime.
Whereas financial need is the guiding criterion in the “liberal” United Kingdom, reciprocity is dominant in “corporatist-conservative” Germany. In “social-democratic” Denmark, it appears impossible to single out one dominant normative criterion. Instead, the Danish participants seem torn between the criteria of need, reciprocity, and equality/universalism.
Monday, 14 January 2019
Redefining agency in late life: the concept of ‘disponibility’
an article by Diego Romaioli and Alberta Contarello (University of Padua, Italy) published in Ageing & Society Volume 39 Issue 1 (January 2019)
Abstract
In light of an increased ageing population, policy makers are faced with the urgent problem of planning programmes that reflect active ageing or, in other words, the promotion of activities that help individuals to remain active in a societal context.
The construct of agency, defined as the capacity to make decisions and to address situations depending on the individual's future plans, reflects a specific normative criterion: individuals are expected to live in an active and productive way, while those who are unable to live up to this expectation are considered dependent, passive, unproductive, weak.
From a social constructionist perspective, the current study proposes a critical reflection on the qualities usually attributed to the construct of agency that are liable to appear reductive and oppressive when applied to an elderly population. Once the basic premises underlying agency, as it is commonly defined in the Western tradition, have been deconstructed, a different conceptualisation, based on interviews with older individuals, will be presented.
The current work aims to produce a different conceptual framework that will permit examination of experiences and organisational modalities of agency typifying later life.
The comments made by the interviewees in many cases resonate with ideas contained in Taoist philosophy and, more specifically, with the concept of disponibilité (or disponibility) outlined by the French sinologist François Jullien, which we discuss here.
Abstract
In light of an increased ageing population, policy makers are faced with the urgent problem of planning programmes that reflect active ageing or, in other words, the promotion of activities that help individuals to remain active in a societal context.
The construct of agency, defined as the capacity to make decisions and to address situations depending on the individual's future plans, reflects a specific normative criterion: individuals are expected to live in an active and productive way, while those who are unable to live up to this expectation are considered dependent, passive, unproductive, weak.
From a social constructionist perspective, the current study proposes a critical reflection on the qualities usually attributed to the construct of agency that are liable to appear reductive and oppressive when applied to an elderly population. Once the basic premises underlying agency, as it is commonly defined in the Western tradition, have been deconstructed, a different conceptualisation, based on interviews with older individuals, will be presented.
The current work aims to produce a different conceptual framework that will permit examination of experiences and organisational modalities of agency typifying later life.
The comments made by the interviewees in many cases resonate with ideas contained in Taoist philosophy and, more specifically, with the concept of disponibilité (or disponibility) outlined by the French sinologist François Jullien, which we discuss here.
Wednesday, 24 October 2018
“News comes across when I’m in a moment of leisure”: Understanding the practices of incidental news consumption on social media
an article by Pablo J Boczkowski (Northwestern University, USA), Eugenia Mitchelstein (Universidad de San Andrés, Argentina) and Mora Matassi (Harvard Graduate School of Education, USA) published in New Media & Society Volume 20 Issue 10 (October 2018)
Abstract
Incidental consumption of news on social media has risen in recent years, particularly among young people.
Previous studies have characterized what the main dimensions and effects of this phenomenon are. In this article, we complement that literature by looking at how this phenomenon unfolds. Inspired by practice theory, we aim to answer two questions:
Our findings show the existence of
Abstract
Incidental consumption of news on social media has risen in recent years, particularly among young people.
Previous studies have characterized what the main dimensions and effects of this phenomenon are. In this article, we complement that literature by looking at how this phenomenon unfolds. Inspired by practice theory, we aim to answer two questions:
- what are the practices that subtend incidental news consumption on social media among young people? and
- What are the social consequences of these practices?
Our findings show the existence of
- strong connections between technology and content, “anywhere and anytime” coordinates, derivative information routines, and increasingly mediated sociability and
- fragmentary reading patterns, loss of hierarchy of the news, and coexistence of editorial, algorithmic, and social filtering.
Tuesday, 19 December 2017
Maintaining employment and improving health: A qualitative exploration of a job retention programme for employees with mental health conditions
an article by James Woodall, Kris Southby and Joanne Trigwell (Leeds Beckett University, UK) and Vanessa Lendzionowski and Rosana Rategh (Workplace Leeds, UK) published in International Journal of Workplace Health Management Volume 10 Issue 1 (2017)
Abstract
Purpose
A proportion of the working age population in the UK experience mental health conditions, with this group often facing significant challenges to retain their employment. As part of a broader political commitment to health and well-being at work, the use of job retention services have become part of a suite of interventions designed to support both employers and employees. While rigorous assessment of job retention programmes are lacking, the purpose of this paper is to examine the success of, and distils learning from, a job retention service in England.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative methodology was adopted for this research with semi-structured interviews considered an appropriate method to illuminate key issues. In total, 28 individuals were interviewed, including current and former service users, referrers, employers and job retention staff.
Findings
Without the support of the job retention service, employees with mental health conditions were reported unlikely to have been maintained their employment status. Additional benefits were also reported, including improved mental health outcomes and impacts on individuals’ personal life. Employers also reported positive benefits in engaging with the job retention service, including feeling better while being able to offer appropriate solutions that were mutually acceptable to the employee and the organisation.
Originality/value
Job retention programmes are under researched and little is known about their effectiveness and the mechanisms that support individuals at work with mental health conditions. This study adds to the existing evidence and suggests that such interventions are promising in supporting employees and employers.
Abstract
Purpose
A proportion of the working age population in the UK experience mental health conditions, with this group often facing significant challenges to retain their employment. As part of a broader political commitment to health and well-being at work, the use of job retention services have become part of a suite of interventions designed to support both employers and employees. While rigorous assessment of job retention programmes are lacking, the purpose of this paper is to examine the success of, and distils learning from, a job retention service in England.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative methodology was adopted for this research with semi-structured interviews considered an appropriate method to illuminate key issues. In total, 28 individuals were interviewed, including current and former service users, referrers, employers and job retention staff.
Findings
Without the support of the job retention service, employees with mental health conditions were reported unlikely to have been maintained their employment status. Additional benefits were also reported, including improved mental health outcomes and impacts on individuals’ personal life. Employers also reported positive benefits in engaging with the job retention service, including feeling better while being able to offer appropriate solutions that were mutually acceptable to the employee and the organisation.
Originality/value
Job retention programmes are under researched and little is known about their effectiveness and the mechanisms that support individuals at work with mental health conditions. This study adds to the existing evidence and suggests that such interventions are promising in supporting employees and employers.
Sunday, 24 September 2017
Swearing at work: the mixed outcomes of profanity
an article by Yehuda Baruch (University of Southampton, UK), Rea Prouska (London South Bank University School of Business, UK),
Ariane Ollier-Malaterre, (Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Canada) and
Jennifer Bunk, (West Chester University, Pennsylvania, USA)
published in Journal of Managerial Psychology Volume 32 Issue 2 (2017)
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the use and misuse of swearing in the workplace. Design/methodology/approach
Using a qualitative methodology, the authors interviewed 52 lawyers, medical doctors and business executives in the UK, France and the USA.
Findings
In contrast to much of the incivility and social norms literatures, the authors find that male and female business executives, lawyers and doctors of all ages admit to swearing. Further, swearing can lead to positive outcomes at the individual, interpersonal and group levels, including stress-relief, communication-enrichment and socialization-enhancement.
Research limitations/implications
An implication for future scholarship is that “thinking out of the box” when exploring emotion-related issues can lead to new insights.
Practical implications
Practical implications include reconsidering and tolerating incivility under certain conditions.
Originality/value
The authors identified a case in which a negative phenomenon reveals counter-intuitive yet insightful results.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the use and misuse of swearing in the workplace. Design/methodology/approach
Using a qualitative methodology, the authors interviewed 52 lawyers, medical doctors and business executives in the UK, France and the USA.
Findings
In contrast to much of the incivility and social norms literatures, the authors find that male and female business executives, lawyers and doctors of all ages admit to swearing. Further, swearing can lead to positive outcomes at the individual, interpersonal and group levels, including stress-relief, communication-enrichment and socialization-enhancement.
Research limitations/implications
An implication for future scholarship is that “thinking out of the box” when exploring emotion-related issues can lead to new insights.
Practical implications
Practical implications include reconsidering and tolerating incivility under certain conditions.
Originality/value
The authors identified a case in which a negative phenomenon reveals counter-intuitive yet insightful results.
Monday, 3 March 2014
Physical activity barriers in the workplace: An exploration of factors contributing to non-participation in a UK workplace physical activity intervention
an article by Sarah Edmunds, (Department of Psychology, University of Westminster, UK) and Louise Hurst and Kate Harvey, (Centre for Workplace Health, St Mary's University College, Twickenham, UK) published in International Journal of Workplace Health and Management Volume 6 Issue 3 (2013)
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore factors contributing to non-participation in a workplace physical activity (PA) intervention in a large UK call centre.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 16 inactive individuals (nine male/seven female), aged 27±9 years, who had not taken part in the intervention were interviewed to explore their perceptions of PA, the intervention and factors which contributed to their non-participation. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings
Six superordinate themes were identified: self-efficacy for exercise; attitudes towards PA; lack of time and energy; facilities and the physical environment; response to the PA programme and PA culture. Barriers occurred at multiple levels of influence, and support the use of ecological or multilevel models to help guide future programme design/delivery.
Research limitations/implications
The 16 participants were not selected to be representative of the workplace gender or structure. Future intentions relating to PA participation were not considered and participants may have withheld negative opinions about the workplace or intervention despite use of an external researcher.
Practical implications
In this group of employees education about the importance of PA for young adults and providing opportunities to gain social benefits from PA would increase perceived benefits and reduce perceived costs of PA. Workplace cultural norms with respect to PA must also be addressed to create a shift in PA participation.
Originality/value
Employees’ reasons for non-participation in workplace interventions remain poorly understood and infrequently studied. The study considers a relatively under-studied population of employed young adults, providing practical recommendations for future interventions.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore factors contributing to non-participation in a workplace physical activity (PA) intervention in a large UK call centre.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 16 inactive individuals (nine male/seven female), aged 27±9 years, who had not taken part in the intervention were interviewed to explore their perceptions of PA, the intervention and factors which contributed to their non-participation. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings
Six superordinate themes were identified: self-efficacy for exercise; attitudes towards PA; lack of time and energy; facilities and the physical environment; response to the PA programme and PA culture. Barriers occurred at multiple levels of influence, and support the use of ecological or multilevel models to help guide future programme design/delivery.
Research limitations/implications
The 16 participants were not selected to be representative of the workplace gender or structure. Future intentions relating to PA participation were not considered and participants may have withheld negative opinions about the workplace or intervention despite use of an external researcher.
Practical implications
In this group of employees education about the importance of PA for young adults and providing opportunities to gain social benefits from PA would increase perceived benefits and reduce perceived costs of PA. Workplace cultural norms with respect to PA must also be addressed to create a shift in PA participation.
Originality/value
Employees’ reasons for non-participation in workplace interventions remain poorly understood and infrequently studied. The study considers a relatively under-studied population of employed young adults, providing practical recommendations for future interventions.
Thursday, 22 August 2013
Working hard with gender: Gendered labour for women in male dominated occupations of manual trades and information technology (IT)
an article by Louisa Smith (University of Sydney, Australia) Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal Volume 32 Issue 6 (2013)
Abstract
Purpose
Manual trades and information technology (IT) are male-dominated occupations and as such cultivate unique forms of hegemonic masculinity. Women entering these occupations represent a kind of crisis to this gender order in the workplace, making the experiences of these women a useful way of studying how gender regimes are maintained and may be challenged at work. The aim of this paper is to examine how women found doing gender in the male dominated workplaces became a kind of work in itself.
Design/methodology/approach
A life history framework was used for this research, in which 15 women from manual trades and 15 women from IT occupations were interviewed. The in-depth qualitative method allowed the participants the time and space to communicate the contradictions they experienced doing their gender and doing their gender at work.
Findings
The effort expended because the participants were women and because they were a minority was experienced both as an intense pressure and as significant to their success in their occupations. This indicates that gendered work outside of the formal duties of a job makes the work of those in a gender minority particularly strenuous. This understanding of gender at work as work is important to understanding how efforts to address gender equity in workplaces must work beyond quotas and policy and also address embodied gendered cultures.
Originality/value
While women working in male dominated cultures are often studied in terms of the challenges they face, from this research these challenges are framed as a kind of gendered work in itself. This work is often invisible, usually emotion work and mostly unrecognised. Highlighting the nature of this gendered labour and the pressures it places on women in male dominated work reframes what it means to work and the importance of these invisible forms of labour to maintaining successful production relations.
Abstract
Purpose
Manual trades and information technology (IT) are male-dominated occupations and as such cultivate unique forms of hegemonic masculinity. Women entering these occupations represent a kind of crisis to this gender order in the workplace, making the experiences of these women a useful way of studying how gender regimes are maintained and may be challenged at work. The aim of this paper is to examine how women found doing gender in the male dominated workplaces became a kind of work in itself.
Design/methodology/approach
A life history framework was used for this research, in which 15 women from manual trades and 15 women from IT occupations were interviewed. The in-depth qualitative method allowed the participants the time and space to communicate the contradictions they experienced doing their gender and doing their gender at work.
Findings
The effort expended because the participants were women and because they were a minority was experienced both as an intense pressure and as significant to their success in their occupations. This indicates that gendered work outside of the formal duties of a job makes the work of those in a gender minority particularly strenuous. This understanding of gender at work as work is important to understanding how efforts to address gender equity in workplaces must work beyond quotas and policy and also address embodied gendered cultures.
Originality/value
While women working in male dominated cultures are often studied in terms of the challenges they face, from this research these challenges are framed as a kind of gendered work in itself. This work is often invisible, usually emotion work and mostly unrecognised. Highlighting the nature of this gendered labour and the pressures it places on women in male dominated work reframes what it means to work and the importance of these invisible forms of labour to maintaining successful production relations.
Thursday, 18 July 2013
Pathways back to work for problem alcohol users
Linda Bauld and Jennifer McKell (University of Stirling, Scotland, UK), Lorna Templeton (Independent Research Consultant, Bristol, UK), Karin Silver (University of Bath, UK), Claire Novak (University of Bristol, UK) and Gordon Hay (University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK) published in Policy Studies Volume 34 Issue 3 (May 2013)
Abstract
The relationship between alcohol misuse, employment and unemployment is complex.
Alcohol misuse is correlated with a range of other problems, including, for example, drug misuse, mental health problems and social deprivation. Together these can be a barrier to accessing and sustaining employment.
The aim of this study was to explore these issues with a sample of adults in the UK who were currently accessing treatment for an alcohol problem. The study involved a systematic literature review followed by qualitative research with 53 treatment service clients and 12 professionals across 5 research sites in England, Scotland and Wales. The findings focus on the main facilitators and barriers, both individual and organisational, for returning to work identified by interviewees. Some of the facilitators and barriers identified were similar to those described in the literature for other groups of unemployed adults.
Others were more specific to alcohol misusers; for example, the stigma experienced by interviewees as a result of the views of others regarding substance misuse, the nature of recovery from addiction and the challenges posed by the prevalence of coexisting mental and physical health problems. Despite the problems faced by many of the study participants, however, the majority were eager to return to work, and this desire to gain employment is discussed in the context of ongoing welfare reform in the UK.
Abstract
The relationship between alcohol misuse, employment and unemployment is complex.
Alcohol misuse is correlated with a range of other problems, including, for example, drug misuse, mental health problems and social deprivation. Together these can be a barrier to accessing and sustaining employment.
The aim of this study was to explore these issues with a sample of adults in the UK who were currently accessing treatment for an alcohol problem. The study involved a systematic literature review followed by qualitative research with 53 treatment service clients and 12 professionals across 5 research sites in England, Scotland and Wales. The findings focus on the main facilitators and barriers, both individual and organisational, for returning to work identified by interviewees. Some of the facilitators and barriers identified were similar to those described in the literature for other groups of unemployed adults.
Others were more specific to alcohol misusers; for example, the stigma experienced by interviewees as a result of the views of others regarding substance misuse, the nature of recovery from addiction and the challenges posed by the prevalence of coexisting mental and physical health problems. Despite the problems faced by many of the study participants, however, the majority were eager to return to work, and this desire to gain employment is discussed in the context of ongoing welfare reform in the UK.
Tuesday, 19 March 2013
The “Management Standards” for stress in large organizations
an article by Nadine Mellor and Phoebe Smith (Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL), Buxton, UK) and Colin Mackay and David Palferman (Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Bootle, UK) published in International Journal of Workplace Health Management Volume 6 Issue 1 (2013)
Abstract
Purpose
In Great Britain, the ‘”Management Standards” were launched in 2004 and formally published in 2007 by the Health and Safety Executive to help organisations manage work-related stress. The purpose of this paper is to examine how these Standards are translated into organisational practice.
Design/methodology/approach
The research uses case studies carried out in five large organisations drawn from the public and private sectors in Great Britain.
Findings
Senior management commitment and worker participation are key to managing work-related stress and are commonly reported across organisations, although to variable form and depth. The solution chosen to identify stress issues is a short assessment of all staff via annual staff surveys, coupled with in-depth assessments of groups at risk. Common practice also includes combining individual and organisational interventions. One significant challenge emerges as the translation from identified stress issues to focussed interventions and their evaluation.
Research limitations/implications
The implementation processes outlined in this study are by no means exhaustive due to the small sample size but are consistent with previous research.
Practical implications
The findings suggest that the HSE Management Standards approach for dealing with stress issues is do-able. Refining the information in the HSE guidance on implementing and evaluating interventions and broadening the current focus on organisation-level interventions is needed.
Originality/value
Publication of case studies of the implementation of the Management Standards has been limited. This paper illustrates the efforts made by large organisations to integrate national guidance on stress and this could be used for guiding and improving stress management in similar work settings.
Abstract
Purpose
In Great Britain, the ‘”Management Standards” were launched in 2004 and formally published in 2007 by the Health and Safety Executive to help organisations manage work-related stress. The purpose of this paper is to examine how these Standards are translated into organisational practice.
Design/methodology/approach
The research uses case studies carried out in five large organisations drawn from the public and private sectors in Great Britain.
Findings
Senior management commitment and worker participation are key to managing work-related stress and are commonly reported across organisations, although to variable form and depth. The solution chosen to identify stress issues is a short assessment of all staff via annual staff surveys, coupled with in-depth assessments of groups at risk. Common practice also includes combining individual and organisational interventions. One significant challenge emerges as the translation from identified stress issues to focussed interventions and their evaluation.
Research limitations/implications
The implementation processes outlined in this study are by no means exhaustive due to the small sample size but are consistent with previous research.
Practical implications
The findings suggest that the HSE Management Standards approach for dealing with stress issues is do-able. Refining the information in the HSE guidance on implementing and evaluating interventions and broadening the current focus on organisation-level interventions is needed.
Originality/value
Publication of case studies of the implementation of the Management Standards has been limited. This paper illustrates the efforts made by large organisations to integrate national guidance on stress and this could be used for guiding and improving stress management in similar work settings.
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
The teaching of qualitative research methods in information systems: an explorative study utilizing learning theory
an article by Robert D Galliers (Bentley University, Massachusetts) and Jimmy C Huang (Warwick Business School, The University of Warwick) published in European Journal of Information Systems Volume 21 Issue 2 (March 2012)
Abstract
Empirical evidence suggests that the Information Systems field continues to be dominated by the positivist paradigm and the use of quantitative methods. This is so despite the diversity of research methods available, the emergence of an interpretivist tradition, and some isolated examples of methodological pluralism.
While there have been significant contributions in guiding qualitative research methods teaching, little research has been undertaken that considers the training actually provided, and the possible impacts this may have on the quality and quantity of qualitative research articles in our journals. This explorative study aims to provide some insight into what training is provided, the issues confronted, and possible impediments to publishing qualitative research.
Data were collected from interviews with a panel of international colleagues who have a range of experience in teaching and applying qualitative methods. Grounded Theory is used to identify emergent and interconnected themes. Experiential and social learning lenses are used to reflect on the results, providing some initial understanding of the complexities of teaching and undertaking qualitative research.
Theoretical as well as practical contributions are made regarding the means by which qualitative research may be introduced, developed and extended within the IS academy, and further theorisation of social and experiential learning.
Hazel’s comment:
Whilst trying to find the volume/issue number I came across this interesting figure from the article.
Abstract
Empirical evidence suggests that the Information Systems field continues to be dominated by the positivist paradigm and the use of quantitative methods. This is so despite the diversity of research methods available, the emergence of an interpretivist tradition, and some isolated examples of methodological pluralism.
While there have been significant contributions in guiding qualitative research methods teaching, little research has been undertaken that considers the training actually provided, and the possible impacts this may have on the quality and quantity of qualitative research articles in our journals. This explorative study aims to provide some insight into what training is provided, the issues confronted, and possible impediments to publishing qualitative research.
Data were collected from interviews with a panel of international colleagues who have a range of experience in teaching and applying qualitative methods. Grounded Theory is used to identify emergent and interconnected themes. Experiential and social learning lenses are used to reflect on the results, providing some initial understanding of the complexities of teaching and undertaking qualitative research.
Theoretical as well as practical contributions are made regarding the means by which qualitative research may be introduced, developed and extended within the IS academy, and further theorisation of social and experiential learning.
Hazel’s comment:
Whilst trying to find the volume/issue number I came across this interesting figure from the article.
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Ethnography goes online: towards a user-centred methodology to research interpersonal communication on the Internet
an article by Roser Beneito-Montagut (Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Spain) published in Qualitative Research Volume 11 Number 6 (December 2011)
Abstract
Ethnographic research is increasingly concerned with how the Internet operates within our everyday life. This article attempts to offer a methodological contribution of online communication and an exploration of initial empirical data generated with this methodology. The article calls for a specification of how ethnography can be applied appropriately to the study of relationships online. It departs from the real versus virtual dichotomy, offering a user-centred methodology to study interpersonal communications on the internet. It suggests the use of three main strategies to pay tribute to the characteristics of uses online: multi-situated, online and offline, and flexible and multimedia data collection methods. This approach facilitates a holistic analysis of the way in which social information and communication technologies operate within society in everyday life. It deals with the problem of defining the setting of research online and proposes an expanded ethnography. The article specifies details of this methodology for research into interpersonal communications and emotions online. It does so by drawing on empirical data generated in a study on everyday life and emotions on the internet. Epistemic questions related to this methodological approach will also be discussed. Overall, the exemplification suggests that the methodological approach proposed here is able to capture the uses and understandings of the Internet.
Abstract
Ethnographic research is increasingly concerned with how the Internet operates within our everyday life. This article attempts to offer a methodological contribution of online communication and an exploration of initial empirical data generated with this methodology. The article calls for a specification of how ethnography can be applied appropriately to the study of relationships online. It departs from the real versus virtual dichotomy, offering a user-centred methodology to study interpersonal communications on the internet. It suggests the use of three main strategies to pay tribute to the characteristics of uses online: multi-situated, online and offline, and flexible and multimedia data collection methods. This approach facilitates a holistic analysis of the way in which social information and communication technologies operate within society in everyday life. It deals with the problem of defining the setting of research online and proposes an expanded ethnography. The article specifies details of this methodology for research into interpersonal communications and emotions online. It does so by drawing on empirical data generated in a study on everyday life and emotions on the internet. Epistemic questions related to this methodological approach will also be discussed. Overall, the exemplification suggests that the methodological approach proposed here is able to capture the uses and understandings of the Internet.
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