Research methods in sexuality research: A critical review of traditional ‘offline’ methods and ‘online’ methods, and the use of ‘solicited online diary blogs’

Abstract

Researchers in the field of sexualities have adopted a variety of traditional research methods for many decades. Most of these offline methods, and some online methods, have been fraught with methodological difficulties such as biases, limited access to hidden groups, and even prohibitive costs, amongst others. This paper first provides a critical review of traditional offline research methods, as well as the contemporary online methods that have been developed since the advent of the internet. The challenges associated with the use of offline methods, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of some online methods, are discussed. This is followed by a review and discussion of ‘solicited online diary blogs’ as a contemporary research tool. It is proposed that solicited online diary blogs present researchers with a novel and advantageous tool that addresses some of the methodological challenges and limitations inherent in other research methods that are still widely used in the field of sexuality.