On‐line with e‐mums: exploring the Internet as a medium for research

This paper contributes to the emerging debate about the value of on‐line research. Drawing on the experience of an Internet‐based Cyberparents project, it explores the possibilities and limitations of web‐based questionnaire surveys and on‐line synchronous interviews. It discusses some of the implications of conducting research in the virtual arena, with particular emphasis on sampling, on‐line interactions and computer‐mediated conversations. Although on‐line research holds promise, its potential should not be exaggerated: many of the issues and problems of conventional research still apply in the virtual venue.