Researching sensitive topics using web-based questionnaires : practical, methodological, and ethical considerations.

Fox, Jezz and Murray, Craig and Warm, Anna (2003) Researching sensitive topics using web-based questionnaires : practical, methodological, and ethical considerations. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 6 (2). pp. 167-180. ISSN 1364-5579

Abstract

The use of the internet for social science research is becoming increasingly common. This paper outlines practical, methodological and ethical issues for researchers to consider when using web-based questionnaires. This is illustrated by consideration of the authors' own experience of conducting a study into the phenomenon of self-harm.