Qualitative Online Data Collection: Towards a Framework of Ethical Decision-Making

Abstract

This paper offers an ethical framework to guide decision-making when using online methods to collect qualitative data. With the introduction of the internet, a range of new ways to collect data have emerged, each of which involves sets of ethical issues and concerns. From a review of these concerns, the paper presents a framework that may facilitate decision-making when faced with ethical challenges. The framework is based on reviews of three internet-mediated qualitative methods used to collect qualitative data on human life and behavior: online interviews, online focus groups, and online observation. Based on his review, a conceptual framework is developed. The framework conceptualizes ethical decision making as (a) situational, (b) casuistic, (c) reflexive, and (d) phronetic.