Pilot study into experiences of online disability hate speech

Purpose of study

This research is a pilot study aiming to collect initial information about online disability-related hate speech. We are interested in finding out where this occurs, what form it takes, how people respond to it, and what effects it has on deaf and disabled people.

Who are the researchers?

This research is a collaboration between Inclusion London, an organisation that supports deaf and disabled people’s organisations and campaigns on equality-related issues, and Dr Mick Finlay (Associate Professor of Social Psychology, Anglia Ruskin University – mick.finlay@aru.ac.uk).

Who is eligible to participate?

We are interested in the perspectives and experiences of deaf and disabled people. Due to ethical restrictions, only people aged 18 and over are eligible to participate in this research.

How many people will be asked to participate?

Because this is a pilot study in which we are recruiting participants through a social media call, we do not know how many responses we will receive. We hope to collect responses from between 20 and 100 people.

Do I have to answer all the questions?

You are free to answer as many or as few questions as you wish. You can end your participation by shutting down the tab without giving a reason.

Has the study got ethical approval?

The study has got ethical approval from the School Research Ethics Panel (SREP) at Anglia Ruskin University.

Source of funding for the research

This research is not currently funded. However, this pilot study is part of a larger, multi-organisation application for research funding from the ESRC for a project looking at online hate speech across a number of identity categories.

What will happen to the results of the study?

The findings of this project will be used by Inclusion London to inform their work and campaigning, and will be used to help develop the research bid outlined above. Findings, containing anonymised quotes, may be used in reports, talks and research articles.

Contact for further information: Dr Mick Finlay (mick.finlay@aru.ac.uk)

To participate, click on the link below:
https://aruspsych.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4HffYbnKQLIsRxQ