Has Covid changed the research world? And if so, how?
I can agree with the statement: “The pandemic has given us a mirror – not only about society, but also about how research works.”
During Covid, research shifted from one day to the online space. Where we used to sit in person with respondents, there was suddenly a camera, a microphone and a distance. The methodology changed, but the dynamics also changed – people were more open to topics like health, loneliness or fear. It was suddenly “okay” to talk about fragility.
On the other hand, it became clear how important human closeness is. An online interview doesn’t give you everything – it lacks nuance, atmosphere, a moment of silence when the respondent takes a breath… and decides to say something substantial.
Covid has advanced research technically, but it has reminded us that research is mainly about people. And they need not only a questionnaire, but also trust.