Internet Communication and Qualitative Research

`The internet is exploding with possibilities for conducting social research. Mann and Stewart offer the first in-depth consideration of the prospects and potentials for doing qualitative research on-line. This wide ranging, clearly-written book is essential reading for researchers working at the cutting edge of qualitative methodology' - James A. Holstein, Marquette University

`This is e-scholarship. The book is a transformative project which brings the best skills of the old print scholarship to the cyberworld. The authors are no mere theoreticians - but hands-on net-users, who have made the imaginative leap to the dot.com world, and who have mapped the way for net research and researchers.

The authors are pioneers in the realm of digit-crit - opening the way with their critical evaluation of the digital media and net research. They profile the skills required by the online researcher and evaluate the context in which they are used - in relation to privacy, security, ethics and legal considerations. They also take up issues of power; they explore the social and political implications of the digital media, (with specific reference to gender) and the role of the online researcher.

An absolute must for cybercitizens and an indispensable guide for students, researchers, and knowledge workers in the dot.com world' - Dale Spender

`Mann and Stewart have prized open the mysteries of on-line qualitative research. For those new to this methodology the technology review demystifies; the social science research ethics issues are re-addressed with reference to the on-line situation; methods of conducting online focus groups and interviews, in particular, are detailed. The tone is both analytical and practical with a host of techniques suggested. I recommend this accessible text for all qualitative researchers, both academic and practitioner' - Rehan Ul-Haq, University of Birmingham Business School

`Here is the clear, useful guide to the Internet research needed by all of us interested in on-line relationships and research. The authors address such issues as ethics, confidentiality, the theory and practice of on-line research, and on-line power relationships (which will be of concern in distance learning plans and programs). A very valuable book.' - Cheris Kramarae, Center for the Study of Women in Society, University of Oregon

`Wonderful - "beyond the software" and into on-line interaction to aid and abet our qualitative research. This book shines the light. Mann and Stewart are...