“I probably would've passed the opportunity otherwise”

Incorporating text message interviewing in multi-modal data collection methods

Bibliographic Data

ID19224646
AuthorsKate Laforge (0000-0002-0402-3301, University of California, San Francisco, corresponding author), Erin J Mccauley (0000-0001-7648-437X, University of California, San Francisco)
Year2026
Publication date2026-06-15
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueQualitative Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1468-7941 • E-ISSN: 1741-3109
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/14687941261451384
OpenAlexW7164853267
LanguageEN
References cited15

One-on-one interviews are often a rich source of qualitative data. This article examines the incorporation of a text message interviewing mode in research studies to enhance study accessibility, diversity, and respect for participant preferences. Drawing from our experience using multi-modal interviewing (phone, text, and Zoom) in a sociological study with young adults about suicidal ideation and crisis services, we present practical considerations and recommendations for offering a text messaging interviewing mode. These considerations include fostering engagement, accounting for interview length, and analyzing multi-modal data. Recommendations provide guidance on selecting the data collection mode, preparing for, and conducting text message interviews. By incorporating a text message interview option, researchers can expand the reach of studies to participants who might not have otherwise participated and increase participants’ comfort within the study. This approach may be especially beneficial for groups that prefer text communication or studies that address stigmatized topics

Data collection · Interview · Participant observation · Qualitative research · Semi-structured interview · Suicidal ideation · Text message · Text messaging · Focus Groups and Qualitative Methods · Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics · Survey Methodology and Nonresponse

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Open DOIOpen Access