The e-interview

Cowton, Christopher J. and Bampton, Roberta (2002) The e-interview. Forum: qualitative social research/Forum qualitative sozialforschung, 3 (2). ISSN 1438-5627

Abstract

This paper builds on the authors' recent experience of interviewing by e-mail. It describes
the principal characteristics of the "e-interview", as we term it, outlining the principal ways in which
the e-interview differs from the more familiar method of face-to-face interviewing. Paying particular
attention to issues relating to time, space and technology, the paper identifies the possible
strengths and weaknesses of the e-interview. It discusses the potential of the e-interview as a
research tool, perhaps as a complement to more established methods, and it aims to provide useful
practical insights for researchers who might consider conducting e-interviews in the future.

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