Reflection/Commentary on a Past Article: “Contrasting Internet and Face-to-Face Focus Groups for Children With Chronic Health Conditions: Outcomes and Participant Experiences”

How Did It Fit Into Your Career Path?

This article guided further scholarly development in which technology-mediated research approaches were trialed, with a focus on the impacts of Internet or other technology-based mediation. In terms of advancing methodology, online means of conducting interviews and focus groups have been further developed, including an exploration of novel methods to engage participants with various diversities and in a range of contexts, for whom Internet mediation may be beneficial in data collection. In this research, it is hoped that greater inclusion of a wider range of participants will be availed via technology, such that their voices and perspectives may be amplified.

How Did It Impact Your Work?

This work informed further research that has incrementally advanced this program of study. For instance, I am currently involved in a study examining technology-based approaches for qualitative data collection among minimally verbal persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Harnessing technology for heightened participant inclusion and data yield continues to be an important aim; accordingly, emerging technologies appear promising in facilitating some instances of qualitative inquiry. Balancing the benefits of technology, ongoing caution is warranted in critically appraising a given technological approach relative to upheld research ethics and priorities (e.g., participant safety, privacy, and data accuracy).

How Did It Impact the Field?

I believe that this article reflected an important and pivotal study in critically examining what was, at the time, a relatively novel technology-based means of data collection. Without continual scrutiny of emerging methodological possibilities, risks as well as benefits will not be fully considered. To that end, this article, and the study from which it emerged, offered systematic reflection on the viability of online focus groups.

Where There Any Surprises That Came From This Publication?

I was pleased with the extent of interest and response that emerged from the article. Online approaches for data collection have appeared to offer viable and timely tools for consideration by qualitative researchers in their studies. However, to that end, analytic examination was needed and offered in this study.

What Is the One Thing That You Think Has Changed the Most in This Area Since You Published This Article?

The range of available technology-based options to support data collection has exponentially increased. Such options heighten ways to collect data and seek more inclusive samples than available in past generations. However, with this greater reach and capacity via technology, there is substantial need to carefully consider associated ethical considerations, risks, processes, implications, and outcomes.