Abstract
The newly discovered coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed the traditional methods of conducting qualitative research which, by nature, heavily relies on face-to-face interaction through interviews, field work, and focus group discussions for data collection. However, the various COVID-19 safety protocols, including physical distancing, mask wearing, quarantines, restrictions of national and international travels as well as the need to limits one’s movements to reduce exposure to the virus, have all disrupted traditional methods of qualitative data collection, thereby leaving researchers stranded. This article explores a number of other methods which researchers can utilize to achieve the same results released by face-to-face interactions. These methods include the use of digital voice, video, and text-based tools, online surveys, and content analysis. Drawing from a qualitative study conducted during a lockdown in Zimbabwe between May and June 2020, the article demonstrates how these tools can be used to generate data or to sample data that is already available to satisfy research questions and meet research objectives.