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Developing Email Interview Practices in Qualitative Research

Author

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  • Edgar Burns

Abstract

This article describes using email as a kind of interview. In a sociological study of professional career transition into law, on several occasions in that study, interview participants suggested using emails rather than face-to-face interviews. This ‘irregularity’ set off reflection whether email interviews counted as ‘proper’ interviews. Discussing examples of email interviews clarifies differences from other uses of email in research, and assists exploration of advantages and disadvantages of email interviews as a qualitative research method. A preliminary framework is suggested for evaluation the suitability of email interviews. Present-day limitations point to continuing development in this area of social research. Current indications are that emergent media technologies such as email interviews, like other new media innovations, do not diminish older forms, but rather enrich the array of investigatory tools available for social research today.

Suggested Citation

  • Edgar Burns, 2010. "Developing Email Interview Practices in Qualitative Research," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 15(4), pages 24-35, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socres:v:15:y:2010:i:4:p:24-35
    DOI: 10.5153/sro.2232
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    Cited by:

    1. Boardman, Felicity K., 2017. "Experience as knowledge: Disability, distillation and (reprogenetic) decision-making," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 191(C), pages 186-193.
    2. Zheng, Nan & Wei, Yingqi & Zhang, Yabin & Yang, Jingjing, 2016. "In search of strategic assets through cross-border merger and acquisitions: Evidence from Chinese multinational enterprises in developed economies," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 25(1), pages 177-186.
    3. Vasco Ribeiro Santos & Tiago Ferreira Vitorino & Alvaro Dias & Bruno Barbosa Sousa, 2022. "Developing a Safety Climate Assessment Tool for Omani Construction Industry," International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology (IJSSMET), IGI Global, vol. 13(1), pages 1-24, January.
    4. Sarah Nettleton & Emma Uprichard, 2011. "‘A Slice of Life’: Food Narratives and Menus from Mass-Observers in 1982 and 1945," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 16(2), pages 99-107, June.

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