Online research methods in psychology: methodological opportunities for critical qualitative research

Abstract

This special issue showcases the contributions of mostly early career researchers to illustrate the methodological opportunities and challenges that arise in doing critical qualitative research on the Internet. As we discuss, the articles included in this special issue demonstrate innovative qualitative methods that can be applied to Internet research and the steps that need to be taken to conduct rigorous and ethical qualitative research, from a critical psychological perspective. This special issue focuses on a range of methodological issues that can arise while conducting qualitative research online. The authors are seen to acknowledge the power relations that shape online spaces and relationships, and to reflexively and continually consider their roles in data collection or generation. The articles presented in this special issue also highlight ways in which critical qualitative researchers can innovatively negotiate the ethical issues that can occur within a dynamic context, and challenge the status quo through conducting this type of research. Online spaces continually change and present ongoing opportunities and challenges for researchers, yet, this special issue illustrates how critical qualitative researchers are well equipped to continue developing this line of research.