COVID-19 has reshaped hegemonic notions of what constitutes risk within research, with former expectations of travel for face-to-face interactions now questioned like never before. A significant methods literature exists considering the pros and cons of remote interviewing in particular, but with the continual development and integration of digital technology into everyday life, earlier work has become dated. This session will consider not only the practicalities of how to conduct remote interviews, but broader ramifications (e.g. budgeting, data protection) and discussion of remote methodological innovation, particularly drawing upon diary research.

Students will gain a rounded appreciation of factors to consider when conducting research remotely, in order to adapt potential projects not only for the ongoing COVID-19 context, but to capitalize on the potential advantages (and minimize limitations) posed by such approaches. More specifically, this will include:

• How to effectively liaise with participants
• How to make use of a range of different communication software for interviewing purposes
• How to ensure rigorous data protection and GDPR compliance
• Consideration of how wider qualitative methods may be adapted or innovated for remote use