The rule of thumb is this: if you can access the same information just by Googling, you don't need IRB or any consent. If forum threads are accessible by all, it is free game. If the information is on password protected sites than you *must* get permission (and IRB). If online discussions are on a closed site, they require permission etc... The fact that they are using usernames and their identities are protected only means is irrelevant. This only means that IRB will give you an exempt permission, that is, they won't have to review the process every other month or so. You would get your permission from the IRB regardless and they will be off your back till the finish time comes. At least that is my understanding and I conducted 3 field works for my dissertation. This is what the IRB told me. Best. On Sat, Nov 26, 2011 at 11:24 AM, jeremy hunsinger <jhuns@vt.edu> wrote:
I am confused, you said they weren't public when they were on a closed site. then you said they were publicly available. if it is closed, it isn't publicly available without permission. On Nov 26, 2011, at 12:19 PM, C Sosnowy wrote:
For my dissertation on personal health blogs, I will be conducting a visual content analysis of 40-50 blogs. I will then be conducting an online discussion with 10-12 bloggers on a closed site. Their identity will be protected by a username of their choice, but can I use the real URL and name of their blogs (I would tell them that I'm doing this)? I'm of the opinion that I can because they are publicly-available, but one of my more traditional advisers has doubts. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Collette Sosnowy _______________________________________________ The Air-L@listserv.aoir.org mailing list is provided by the Association of Internet Researchers http://aoir.org Subscribe, change options or unsubscribe at: http://listserv.aoir.org/listinfo.cgi/air-l-aoir.org
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Jeremy Hunsinger Communication Studies Wilfrid Laurier University Center for Digital Discourse and Culture Virginia Tech
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