The Impact of Covid-19 on Research Methods and Approaches

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic, and measures to contain the spread of the virus, such as border closures, quarantine requirements, mandatory PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests, curfews, and social distancing requirements, have had a significant impact on research methods and approaches. Most of the available literature assumes that remote data collection is the only viable means of collecting primary data during the pandemic, so that is the focus of this report. While there is an extensive discussion of challenges associated with undertaking primary data collection during this time, there are also several commentaries and opinion pieces that highlight the opportunities and positive aspects of remote data collection.