Digital format of social work research: reflections of practical experience

Abstract

The paper reviews the development of new research methods in the context of digitalisation of many spheres of life, which has accelerated especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper reveals the possibilities and limitations of using digital technologies to collect information in social work research. The study employed the methods of systematic analysis of data from academic publications and reflection of the authors’ own experience of collecting information using online technologies within research projects focused on the development of various socio-psychological services. The main groups of online methods and means of data collection implemented in quantitative and qualitative research are described. The advantages of online data collection are highlighted, including its use under conditions of limited movement, greater coverage of respondents and territories, relative economy, greater ability to control the flow of surveys, data entries and storage. A number of problems and challenges of using new methods have been identified, in particular, the complexity of sampling; lack of research resources in the case of collecting information about people who do not have a proper access to modern means of communication or skills to use them, etc. Mandatory procedures for such research, due to ethical requirements (guaranteeing anonymity and confidentiality, obtaining informed consent to participate in the study) are outlined. Some examples of problem-solving within the surveys of the women infected with HIV and the projects aimed at assisting the persons taking drugs by means of injecting are provided. The immediate prospects for the development of this topic are defined as the encouragement of Internet users to participate in research on social work, the development of communication skills between researchers and participants in online research alongside facilitation of virtual discussions during online focus groups.