Strengths and Limitations of an Online Qualitative Survey in Times of Social Crisis: Example of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The aim of the article is to argue that an online qualitative survey (OQS) is a useful research technique that is feasible to apply during a social crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. An OQS has an unclear status in the spectrum of research techniques, as it combines features of quantitative and qualitative research, and there is little recognition in the literature of its advantages and disadvantages in the context of other research techniques used during a social crisis. We describe our research experiences of using this technique and the experiences of our survey participants. We also compare the strengths and limitations of using an OQS during the COVID-19 pandemic against other techniques used at the time.