"The Qualitative Research Interview"
by Barbara DiCicco-Bloom & Benjamin F Crabtree
This article gave an overview of semi-structured and
unstructured interview techniques that are used in qualitative research
methods. Structured interview
techniques were not discussed as this interview technique is normally used for
quantitative data collection. The
unstructured interview originated from the ethnographic tradition of
anthropology. The researcher would
observe and take notes while interacting as needed. This type of interview usually produces rich, detailed
information.
Semi-structured interviews can occur with individuals or
with groups. Questions are usually predetermined, open-ended questions with
other additional questions added as the interview is occurring. Interviews can last 30 minutes to
several hours. Data is also
collected on group dynamics when the interview occurs in a focus group setting.
The individual in-depth interview may start with the
research question posed as a question.
Five to ten questions are used to guide the interview. Interview questions are
guided by the participant’s answers to previous questions. Rapport must be developed quickly for
the interview to be effective.
Stages of rapport include apprehension, exploration, co-operation, and
participation. During the
apprehension stage the interviewer attempts to get the interviewee to
talk. Probing questions are used
to elicit more information from the interviewee. It is important not to ask leading questions during any
phase of an interview.
The exploration stage is characterized by participant engagement. The co-operation stage is described as
a level in which the participants can freely discuss without fear of offending
the other person. Clarifying
questions are asked to understand the interviewee’s perception and
worldview. The final stage,
participation, is characterized by the interviewer guiding and teaching the
interviewee.
Purposeful sampling technique is used to select the
interviewees for the in-depth interview.
Data analysis strategies for interpreting the interviews include the
editing approach, template approach, and the immersion/crystallization
approach. The article also
discussed some technical issues that arise in the qualitative interview. Some interviews may videotape or tape
record the interview. In all
interviews it is important to obtain consent for this recording. The problems that arise from using video/audio
recording can occur when transcribing the data. Accuracy can be jeopardized if the information is interpreted
incorrectly by the interviewee.
Software programs are available to assist with data management and
analysis.
Four ethical issues were discussed as concerns for the
interview process. The first issue
is to reduce the anticipated harm.
The article mentioned that interviewers need to be prepared to provide
support to interviewees when they are providing answers that may cause
psychological stress or emotional strain.
The second ethical issue is to ensure anonymity to the interviewee’s
information. The information is to
be kept anonymous unless the information not shared would create a dangerous
situation for someone else.
The third ethical issue is to inform the interviewees of the purpose of
the study and have them verbally consent to on-going interviews. The interviewee should be aware that
they can stop participating at any time if they choose to. The last ethical issue discussed is to ensure that the participants are not exploited for
personal gain.
Michelle, thank you for giving a really detailed summary of the article. Interviewing is a great way to gain more information and data from members of the community. For research purposes, I think there are some other issues that should be avoided to help ensure more accuracy from respondents when interviewing. A couple of things to avoid are use of negatively worded items or double-barreled questions. Negatively worded items are likely to confuse the interviewee and they may respond opposite of what you had intended. Double-barreled questions usually are questions that have the word “and” in them because they are asking about two items, but can also be in the form of questions using plural forms of words. For example, a double-barred question that does not use the word “and” would be “Do you get along with your parents?” The interviewee may only get along with one parent and not the other. As an interviewer, making sure that when you are learning from the interviewee you are adapting your questions to fit the information they are giving you in the apprehension and exploration phase. You would not want to ask someone who does not have any children how they feel about their child’s education if that were one of your interview questions you had originally intended to ask. These are some things to think about in addition to the article.
ReplyDeleteThis reading was really informative for many reasons. However, my favorite part was about protecting the interviewees interests. I appreciate the ethical standards of approaching the interviewees with dignity. Considering the interviewees psychological ramifications of answering probing questions should be at the top of the social worker's list. Our goal is to be agents of change who are active in the helping process. What good does it do to collect information if you are hurting the very people you want to help? I also appreciate the importance of informing the interviewees of their rights. They have the right to discontinue the process at any time. Increasing the interviewees self-efficacy through information builds a stronger relationship and might help the interviewee feel safer answering tougher questions knowing that they have the right to discontinue at any given time.
ReplyDeleteThis article (and your summary) was particularly interesting to me because one of the research projects I am assisting with is a qualitative study in which data will be collected through a series of interviews in addition to scales and measurements. The issue of psychological stress or emotional strain is something I've thought a lot about. The study deals with intimate partner violence, addictions, and mental health and some of the questions that will be asked of the participant are tough questions. We will be providing all participants with resources after their initial interview, but I wonder if that's enough.
ReplyDeleteJenn- providing resources is a great way to alleviate the concern but I would also still wonder if that is enough. Will your participants be able to financially afford follow-up therapy if needed?
ReplyDeleteMichelle - the resources we are providing would be offered at no cost to the individuals, but I still wonder if more should be done.
ReplyDeleteI think these techniques are well advised for sensitive interviews, and can reduce the chance of "defensive" answers to questions. One thing that needs to be kept in mind is that sometimes the interviewer may be the first person the client has confided certain things in. Expressing such details may be either traumatic or relieving, and the interviewer must be especially sensitive.
ReplyDeleteThis article rang familiar to me and my undergrad education. I studied Anthropology and we talked extensively about ethnographic tradition and the concept of becoming a “participant observer”. I found this article especially helpful as I think towards the interview we will conduct for this class. It was helpful to have a review of the types of questions to ask in order to allow the interview to flow. As you mentioned Michelle, building rapport is key. You need the individual to trust you if they are going to participate. I also think the point in the article about the specific ethical issue of ensuring the interviewee has proper after-care is important.
ReplyDeleteThe four ethical issues discussed were key to me when conducting my interviews. I interviewed several teachers within the JVL school districts. I had one individual who wanted to make sure that the information he was providing was confidential and did not affect his students in anyway.
ReplyDeleteI think this was probably the most important reading of the whole semester for me. If you are going to go out and make changes in a community, you need to be able to get to know exactly who that community is and what they need. Many people probably think they are asking great questions, but they aren't getting the results they are looking for. this reading was critical to understanding how to prepare for and how to approach an interview. I also found the four ethical issues to be really important and some things that I may not have actively considered without reading this.
ReplyDelete