Investigating Cybersociety: A Consideration of the Ethical and Practical Issues Surrounding Online Research in Chat Rooms (From Dot.cons: Crime, Deviance and Identity on the Internet, P 164-179, 2003, Yvonne Jewkes, ed. -- See NCJ-199525)

• NCJ Number: 199535
• Author(s): Andy DiMarco; Heather DiMarco
• Date Published: 2003
• Length: 16 pages
• Sale Source: Willan Publishing
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter examines whether the current methodological and ethical guidelines for research based in the "real world" are unsuited to the demands of online research in chat rooms.

Abstract

One of the primary ethical issues in online ethnographic research concerns what constitutes public and private material in chat rooms. Although interactions in the main chat room can be claimed to form part of the public domain, messages sent by one chatter to another as one-to-one messages are another matter. Researchers who may pursue such a private interaction without disclosing the purpose of the conversation and requesting permission to use it in research available to the public would betray confidences. On the other hand, if the researchers disclose their intentions and request permission for inclusion of conversation content in a research report, this may change the tone and content of the interaction. This chapter suggests guidelines for conducting research (especially covert) in chat rooms in a safe and responsible manner; these guidelines have been adapted from Hamman, 1997. First, when entering a chat room, provide the information asked for by the host. Second, only ask questions that occur as a natural part of the interaction, and do not attempt to direct or lead the conversation in any specific way. Third, do not instigate private interaction with a chat room member, but if anyone should request it of the researcher, it is acceptable to respond. Fourth, whenever possible, chat rooms should only be entered when the researcher is alone and in a place where he/she cannot be observed; it is important that the information received be used for research and only for that purpose. Fifth, if at any time the researcher feels uncomfortable with the conversation or that others are uncomfortable or intimidated by the researcher's presence in the chat room, the conversation can be terminated, or the researcher can exit the chat room. Finally, if the researcher is using a computer owned by a university or other institution, make research intentions clear to the tutor or supervisor and follow the institution's guidelines regarding online activity. A chat room glossary is provided.