Zło konieczne, substytut, szansa – wykorzystanie komunikatora Skype w badaniach jakościowych
A Necessary Evil, a Substitute, or an Opportunity? Using Skype in Qualitative Research

Summary/Abstract: The paper aims to introduce the technique of unstructured online interviews in a unique form whereby the interviews are conducted via Skype. Although qualitative researchers are using this technique more and more often, it evokes mixed reactions – from being seen as an opportunity, an (in)valuable substitute for face-to-face interviewing, to being even considered a threat to research quality. Based on the relevant literature, I will discuss the characteristics of the Skype interview as well as its advantages and limitations from the perspectives of both the researcher and the research participants. I will further demonstrate how researchers who have used this type of interview dealt with the said limitations. The results of comparing online interviews with face-to-face interviews by researchers who have used both techniques will also be presented. The relationship between the researcher and the interviewee – and the ethical issues related to the implementation of Skype-mediated interviews – will be expounded in more detail. Finally, I will indicate the necessary conditions as to when conducting this type of interview turns out to be the most beneficial.

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