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Research Methodologies and Standards During a Pandemic

The global pandemic has raised new challenges for the research community. While the internet has been a widely used resource for years, public health measures have centred the internet in all of our lives. The internet is now a library, a meeting room, a project space, and a primary platform for fieldwork planning and implementation for every discipline. 

As researchers are pushed to conduct more of their previously analog research activities online, it is important to be familiar with the existing standards and best practices for internet-based research. 

Internet-Based Fieldwork 

Conducting internet-based fieldwork requires special consideration and planning in order to mitigate the additional risks to privacy, security, and academic rigor. The list below provides resources for internet-based fieldwork that reflect best practice in online research methodology. The list includes resources that have been specifically created in response to the new challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • [Blog post] . (2020).
  • [Blog Post/Resource List]  
  • [Web-sourced document] Lupton, D. (editor) (2020) 
  • [Listserv]  is a research community established in 1999 that has a mailing list for members to discuss challenges in conducting online research, teaching online, and other issues related to internet research. Most members research the internet itself, and have a wealth of knowledge about data collection online.

Internet-Based Research Methods

  • The Vitalities Lab, UNSW Sydney, has developed two open access resources concerning research methods that are specifically designed for teaching and learning purposes:
  • [Video]  is a newly launched Youtube channel that hosts short-form webinars on innovative methods.
  • [Article] Paphitis, S. (2020, June 29). .
  • [Website] MethodsSpace (SAGE Publishing):  “Graphic recording is a method for using visuals to support communication and understanding during real-time dialogue. Hand-drawn illustrations allow teams to simultaneously collect, analyze, and report qualitative data about people and groups.”
  • [Blog post] Kara, H. (2020). 
  • [Website] National Centre for Research Methods (NCRM)’s  - May 2020
  • [Article] Pell, B., Williams, D., Phillips, R., Sanders, J., Edwards, A., Choy, E., & Grant, A. (2020).  International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 19, 1609406920913675. doi:10.1177/1609406920913675
  • [Blog post] Gardner, B. (2020, June 17). 
  • [Resource List].  

Internet-Based Community Engagement

  • [Article] "” Tips for facilitating online Conversation Cafes, as a process of building connection and collective wisdom. 
  • [Recorded webinars]  
  • [Article]  - Summary of a North America wide virtual discussion, with links to resources and community discussion document.