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In:Digital and Internet-Based Research Methods in Applied Linguistics
Edited by Matt Kessler
[Research Methods in Applied Linguistics 15] 2026
► pp. 219–243

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Chapter 11
Online interviews

 | 
 | Duke Kunshan University
Published online: 5 January 2026
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/rmal.15.11li
Abstract
This chapter explores online interviews as a qualitative data collection method in applied linguistics. It begins by defining online interviews as a method, discussing their increasing adoption due to their flexibility, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. The chapter then examines research areas that could benefit from the use of online interviews and provides some specific research questions. The implementation section explores different online interview modes and discusses key decisions made before, during, and after conducting online interviews. Next, the chapter presents five exemplary studies, illustrating how online interviews have been used in diverse research contexts. Ethical considerations, such as data security and informed consent, are discussed alongside challenges like financial support and power dynamics between researchers and participants. The chapter concludes by outlining future research directions, emphasizing multimodal approaches, researcher reflexivity, and ethical advancements.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Frequently asked research questions
    • Research on online language learning and teaching
    • Research involving geographically dispersed participants
  • 3.Implementation
    • Before the interview: Planning and preparation
    • During the interview: Ensuring effective communication
    • After the interview: Data management
  • 4.Example studies
    • Culpeper and Qian (2020)
    • Jin et al. (2021)
    • Garib (2022)
    • Mendoza and Ou (2022)
    • Resnik et al. (2023)
    • Summary of example studies
  • 5.Ethics and research integrity considerations
  • 6.Challenges and issues
  • 7.Future research directions
  • References
References (44)
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