Anonymity as a Double-Edge Sword: Reflecting on the Implications of Online Qualitative Research in Studying Sensitive Topics

Authors

Karen L. Bouchard, University of OttawaFollow

Abstract

In this article, I reflect on the potentials of using online qualitative data collection methods to elicit narratives from adolescent participants who have experienced victimization within their friendships. Specifically, this article examines the impact of anonymity on participants’ self-disclosure, while also considering the potential limitations of online qualitative research, namely, building rapport amongst participants and the researcher, participant authenticity, and participant safety. It is the hope that other novice researchers will benefit from these methodological and ethical reflections of using online qualitative data collection methods for research on sensitive topics.

Keywords

Online Research, Qualitative Research, Sensitive Topics, Anonymity, Participant Self-Disclosure

Author Bio(s)

Karen Bouchard is a Ph.D. Candidate in Education at the University of Ottawa in Ontario, Canada. Correspondence regarding this article can be addressed directly to Karen Bouchard at, karenleighbouchard@gmail.com.

Publication Date

1-11-2016

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2016.2455

Recommended APA Citation

Bouchard, K. L. (2016). Anonymity as a Double-Edge Sword: Reflecting on the Implications of Online Qualitative Research in Studying Sensitive Topics. The Qualitative Report, 21(1), 59-67. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2016.2455