Research interviews are an integral method in qualitative research, though should not be entered into blindly. They take a lot of preparation, and during the interview itself requires they require the researcher to take an active role in not only noting the content, but the manner in which it is presented- inclusive of non verbal communication. I have to say that as far as lectures go, today’s class on interviews was of my most insightful, and so I would like to share what I have learnt with you, particularly pertaining to ‘the rules of the game’.
Before one can conduct interviews, they must have established their research objective from undertaking an analysis of the literature (authors comment: be sure to know what the big picture is), which is in turn supported by theory. This is something I did not do in my interview project (see blog 09.04.2011); I was unsure of the process of doing an interview analysis, and as such did not provide an argument for my research, which is what drives the interviews and provides direction. I now know why I felt like I was swimming in a vast ocean with no land in sight! Not my smartest moment, but it’s all part of the learning process. It once again comes back to the argument, which the interviews are trying to prove in turn.
One thing that was mentioned was that a literature review should cover all elements of the topic, even those that you’re not going to use, as this shows a clear understanding of the topic. In my thesis’ literature review I have not included several elements simply because they are not relevant to the study. I now know that I still need to write about them, though provide an argument as to why they are not included in my study.
The interviews should be structured in a way so that they elicit the information relevant to the propositions. It is important for researchers to take an active role in the process; it is not just a matter of asking questions and recording responses, but rather being attentive and using peripheral communication to pick up on the interviewees non verbal communication (body language, facial expressions etc.) and verbal cues (pauses, sighs, intonation etc.).
Then, when reporting on the findings, it is important not to simply recount the interview. Rather, the researcher needs to form a narrative that develops/supports the argument, ensuring that the content is relevant and justifies propositions. This is then structured by categories of content, with the data presentation and analysis discussed together.
If I am being completely honest, I am quite sceptical when it comes to interviews. I am a character that seeks certainty and exhibits many traits (mainly the bad ones) of a perfectionist. Therefore, it is not surprising that such a subjective method leaves me feeling less than comfortable. Though to be fair, it is not the method itself but rather my confidence in executing it. I really do feel that interviews have their place, though if done by someone inexperienced they can produce completely different findings, limiting the scope of the study and raising questions of credibility. For instance, an inexperienced interviewer may not only read too far into particular cues (i.e. a sigh), or even be so intent and focussed on picking up certain cues that they lose their peripheral perspective. I have been told that such cynicism is good as it means that I am more weary of these things happen. But even moreso it is just something I am going to have to get used to (especially as I am doing focus groups for my project)- it all comes back to the learning experience. In relation to ‘the rules of the game’, I now know that I should go into my focus groups with confidence in my ability, and if I really feel like cross-checking my interpretations with someone else then it is best to take as many notes as possible in the interview. Further, I need to adopt a unbiased approach and not influence the participants, whilst at the same time making sure they feel comfortable enough with me so that they are honest and withhold from answering questions based on what they think I want to hear.
They say nothing good in life ever came easy. I know that this research is not my strongest playing card, so it will take a lot of effort and fingers crossed I come out the end with a strong project with solid findings.
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