Pathology

Sociology

Social distance

Qualitative research

Disease

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Distancing

Social science

Multimedia

Infectious disease (medical specialty)

Internet privacy

Data collection

World Wide Web

Machine learning

Political science

Videoconferencing

Data science

Face (sociological concept)

Public relations

Computer science

Social media

Computer security

Medicine

Qualitative property

International Journal of Qualitative Methods

Qualitative researchers face unique opportunities and challenges as a result of the disruption of COVID-19. Although the pandemic represents a unique opportunity to study the crisis itself, social distancing mandates are restricting traditional face-to-face investigations of all kinds. In this article, we describe options and resources for researchers who find themselves needing to alter their study designs from face-to-face qualitative data collection to a “socially distant” method. Although technologies are constantly changing, we review the latest videoconferencing services available to researchers and provide guidance on what services might best suit a project’s needs. We describe options for various platforms and applications including information about enhanced security applications for researchers collecting sensitive patient health information. Concerns about these technologies including security of the platform and logistical needs such as computer equipment are also discussed. Special attention is given to ethical issues when transitioning research efforts to online venues.

Qualitative Data Collection in an Era of Social Distancing