Internet mediated research: a critical reflection upon the practice of using instant messenger for higher educational research interviewing

Abstract

This paper presents a guide to, and critical reflection upon, using synchronous online interviewing for Higher Educational research. A description of the practical aspects of carrying out synchronous online interviews using Instant Messenger (hereafter IM) as the communication platform, including ethical issues, is provided. Respondent and researcher reflections upon the quality and utility of IM set out here indicate that IM was an effective communication platform for higher educational research interviewing