Prior to the lockdown here in the Philippines, I have commenced conducting semi-structured interviews with my target informants who are older adults. Given that they belong to vulnerable groups, I ensure that there are institutional ethics clearance, a written informed consent and a comfortable time and place to conduct the interviews. Now that I think this lockdown will be extended for 3 weeks again, I am worried that I may not be able to finish my study on my target timeframe. Should I commence conducting interviews through a mobile phone or instant messaging? What should I do to ensure I am doing it ethically? Anyone with similar experience or advise?
Yes, but if possible, I would use https://www.freeconferencecall.com so that they can see your face, and they yours.
Thank you Jack Cowie Suraj Mali and Suhad Mohammed . Any suggestions or tips?
You should proceed but you must really clarify to target informants who are older adults before conducting it online. In this context of semi-structured interviews, i believe you need to discussed with your SV whether it is suitable or not to be used to conducted it online. tq
Yes, you can proceed with the data collection during this COVID-19 pandemic but make sure that the source you took it is from the reliable source. Thanks and good luck.
Muhammad Najib Ali Thank you. I was actually encouraged by my mentor to consider online interviews. I think the first set of online interviews will give me an idea on whether to (1) stop and wait for the lockdown to be lifted or (2) learn from the experience my first set of interviews and improve in the future target interviewees
Mabuhay Ryan! We are currently living in unusual times negatively affecting our research activities. Although we have the technology to conduct interviews online, as an alternative to face-to-face interviews, there could be a lot of things to consider in making sure that our participants in a "comfortable time and place" during online interviews (e.g. participants' knowledge and confidence in using technology or applications). Also, the situation that we are in right now is not normal at all. Potential research participants may be occupied by important day-to-day activities to cope with the ECQ and this crisis, and this could be a potential ethical issue that we need to consider. These are just my thoughts, but I'm sure your institution has a good advice on how to proceed with your research in accordance to ethical principles :) Last, it is extremely hard to meet deadlines given this situation. Given this pandemic that we cannot control, most of us need those extra days or weeks, in order to produce what is expected of us. Ingat lagi!
Ronald Gomeseria the informants were identified already prior to the lockdown. I was supposed to fly to Cebu last March 22 and then this lockdown. I was hesitant at first to approach them about doing it online as they are completely strangers to me. But then the lockdown got extended again to April 30 and now Metro Manila and some high risk areas will still be under quarantine until May 15. When I tried to reach out recently, alot of them are willing.
Richard S. Aquino Hi Sir! Upon initial conversations with them, I was quite surprised that they are adept with instant messaging tools in varying capacity such as with video or audio only. I hope you are doing well on your end. I sent you a private message :)
Hi Ryan Ebardo, that sounds great! I think you are set to conduct online interviews with your participants. With very best wishes, Richard :)
Yes why not.. Make sure data sets are coming from legit and reliable source such as WHO or your country's health ministry.