Aspects Of Qualitative Interviewing Methods

Researches are different in nature but in a number of aspects they do have some commonalities. One of the common aspects is the requirement to collect data. Qualitative interviewing methods help researchers to observe and record a subject's unique viewpoint or experience as it narrates a particular issue. Questions are open-ended and the discussion is conversational in nature. The methodology allows the subject to provide a firsthand, first-person account. This gives the interviewer insight into where a subject is coming from, rather than getting “yes” or “no” answers that provide incomplete feedback. Data collection can be resultant of a number of methods, which include interviews, focus groups, surveys, telephone interviews, field notes,

The interviewer does not do the research to test an explicit hypothesis (David, & Sutton, 2004, p. 87). The researcher has a list of key themes, issues, and questions to be taken care of. In this type of interview, the sequence of the questions can be changed subject to the direction of the interview. An interview guide is also used, but additional questions can be asked. Corbetta (2003 p. 270) explains semi-structured interviews as follows: The order in which the several topics are dealt with and the wording of the questions are left to the interviewer’s preference. Within each theme, the interviewer is free to conduct the conversation as he thinks fit, to ask the questions he deems appropriate in the words he thinks best, to give explanation and ask for clarification if the answer is not clear, to prompt the respondent to explain further if essential, and to establish his own style of conversation. Additional questions can be asked and some may be questions that have not been predicted in the beginning of the interview. Taking notes or recording of documents during the interview. This type of interview gives the researcher opportunities to review for views and opinions of the interviewee. Investigative is a way for the interview to explore new paths which were not initially considered (Gray, 2004, p.

It is more casual than the above mentioned interviews. It is not necessary to follow a detailed interview guide. Each interview is different. Interviewees are encouraged to speak openly, frankly and give as much detail as possible. Usually the interviewer has received virtually little or no training or coaching about the interview process and has not prepared much. The interviewers ask questions that respondents would be able to express their opinions, knowledge and share their experience. This may create some problems because the interviewer may not know what to look for or what direction to take the interview. The researcher may not acquire data that is relevant to the question of the study. It’s important that the interviewer must be very clear what he will ask and must think about what to ask. Questions should be asked carefully. These should be phrased properly and interviewer must have the knowledge when to probe and prompt. It’s very important that in an unstructured interview the researcher has to be a good listener and note new or interesting data the interviewee gives. It “requires good communication and facilitation