Semi-Structured Interview Essay

Ethical Concerns of the Semi-Structured Interview

According to Walsh, (2003) there are different types of reflexivity that can ensure ethical concerns are addressed and it is through this lens we examine the concerns of semi-structured interviews.

Identifying yourself as a researcher is an ethical issue and can change people’s perceptions of you either for better or worse. Personal reflexivity focuses on the researcher’s attitudes and expectations that shape the research project (Walsh, 2003, p. 55). This demands from researchers an openness that exposes the assumptions, expectations, reactions and unconscious responses that impact one's research (Finlay, 1998 in Walsh 2003 p. 57). As a researcher, we need to acknowledge our participatory connectedness with the other research participants,

Interviewees can only make judgement on whether they wish to participate if they have a detailed explanation of the research topic and outcomes (Mann, 2016). Active agreement must be obtained from participants without coercion and with a clear understanding about the purpose of the study, why they have been selected, what will be involved and what will be done with the data (Bullock, 2016). By providing a simple information sheet and signed consent form, you can avoid any difficulties that may arise. These do not need to be elaborate or excessively formal in tone (Gillham, 2005). This leads to addressing the avoidance of harm and intrusiveness, one of the cornerstones of ethical conduct. It is important to think about any possible adverse effects the interview may have. Semi-structured interviews can take quite some time so researchers need to make sure they do not intrude too heavily on participants’ time, their space, and their personal lives. The consent form above also needs to outline processes for participants who become uncomfortable for some reason and the option given to discontinue with the interview (Mann,