Observação On-line das Interações Familiares: Considerações para a Pesquisa.

The new coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has had profound impacts on society, affecting physical and mental health as well as family interactions. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have been used in research with families in order to understand relational dynamics during the pandemic and to guarantee the continuity of studies previously started. The aim of this study is to present possible adaptations, for the online modality, of data collection procedures in research involving observation of family interactions. This is a methodological article, in which potentials of online observation are discussed, such as greater geographic coverage and ecological validity, but also challenges, such as the difficulty of standardizing data collection procedures, due to variability in the quality of equipment and Internet connection. Technical aspects are highlighted to assist researchers in the selection of audio/video equipment and platforms for videoconference, as well as in planning and conducting data collection. Online observation can enable researchers to understand the complexity of family dynamics during social distancing and after the pandemic as well, comprising an effective research strategy for the study of families in different contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]