Reflections on conducting online research during a pandemic : using a survey to explore student’s self-perception

Abstract

This case study presents what we learned from conducting online research by collecting data through a survey during the Covid-19 pandemic. The aim of the study was to explore how students aged between 9 – 11 years perceived their own creative self-concept and their wellbeing at school. In this study, 500 students coming from different schools were surveyed. Participants were recruited through their respective schools following the dissemination of information letters and consent forms. While various advantages emerged from conducting online research, a number of challenges were encountered throughout the process. The main stumbling blocks were related to: (a) parental engagement and the subsequent collection of consent forms; (b) issues that emerged during the actual data collection that could have impinged on the quality of the data collected. This data collection exercise presented an opportunity for learning and growth through a process of reflection and evaluation.