Using Zoom Videoconferencing for Qualitative Data Collection: Perceptions and Experiences of Researchers and Participants

TLDR

Advances in communication technologies, especially Zoom, offer new opportunities for qualitative research, yet little is known about researchers’ and participants’ perspectives on its benefits and challenges. The study investigates the feasibility and acceptability of using Zoom for qualitative interviews in a health research context and recommends further research to assess its utility. We surveyed 16 practice nurses who participated in online qualitative interviews about their Zoom experiences while simultaneously recording researcher observations. Most participants reported a highly satisfactory experience, rating Zoom above face‑to‑face, telephone, and other videoconferencing options, and the findings suggest Zoom is viable because of its ease of use, cost‑effectiveness, data‑management features, and security.

Abstract

Advances in communication technologies offer new opportunities for the conduct of qualitative research. Among these, Zoom—an innovative videoconferencing platform—has a number of unique features that enhance its potential appeal to qualitative and mixed-methods researchers. Although studies have explored the use of information and communication technologies for conducting research, few have explored both researcher and participant perspectives on the use of web and videoconferencing platforms. Further, data are lacking on the benefits and challenges of using Zoom as a data collection method. In this study, we explore the feasibility and acceptability of using Zoom to collect qualitative interview data within a health research context in order to better understand its suitability for qualitative and mixed-methods researchers. We asked 16 practice nurses who participated in online qualitative interviews about their experiences of using Zoom and concurrently recorded researcher observations. Although several participants experienced technical difficulties, most described their interview experience as highly satisfactory and generally rated Zoom above alternative interviewing mediums such as face-to-face, telephone, and other videoconferencing services, platforms, and products. Findings suggest the viability of Zoom as a tool for collection of qualitative data because of its relative ease of use, cost-effectiveness, data management features, and security options. Further research exploring the utility of Zoom is recommended in order to critically assess and advance innovations in online methods.