In-depth interviewing methods

Question 1

What is an in-depth interview?

Answer 1

A way to capture thoughts, perceptions, feelings and experiences

Question 2

3 types of in-depth interviews

Answer 2

1. Informal
2. semi-structured
3. Open-ended

Question 3

Informal interview benefit

Answer 3

It is flexible and spontaneous - can explore themes and issues as they arise

Question 4

Open-ended interview benefit

Answer 4

It is carefully worded to ensure that all participants are asked very similar questions

–> less opportunity to explore themes and issues

Question 5

Sem-structured interview benefit

Answer 5

Researchers can elicit information from prepared questions but allow participants to elaborate on their responses

Question 6

Ways to facilitate optimal information gathering

Answer 6

• Use open questions
• Be an active listener
• Monitor linguistic choices (vocab that meets the need of the interviewee; clear and concise questioning)
• Monitor use of jargon
• Assume that you don’t know
• Avoid leading questions

Question 7

What are open-ended questions useful for?

Answer 7

Allows the participant to talk to great length, offering spontaneous descriptions. They can provide what they see as the main issue of the phenomena

Question 8

Open-ended question e.g.

Answer 8

How would you describe your experience of…?

Question 9

What are follow-up Qs useful for?

Answer 9

They encourage participants to say more about the answer they have just given or further elaboration on their point

Question 10

Follow-up Q e.g.

Answer 10

Do you mean you had a negative experience with… could you please elaborate on that?

Question 11

What are probing Qs useful for?

Answer 11

Prompts further discussion so that they have a clear understanding of the matter being examined

Question 12

Probing Q e.g.

Answer 12

Can you give me some more examples of…

Question 13

What are specifying Qs useful for?

Answer 13

Similar to follow-up; asking more specific questions so that a more explicit response can be obtained

Question 14

Specifying Q e.g.

Answer 14

How did you feel when X…?

Question 15

What are direct Qs useful for?

Answer 15

To clarify the issues or some ambiguity during the interview –> usually left until later in the interview, when the participants have offered their own explanations

Question 16

Direct Q e.g.

Answer 16

‘Have you ever experienced discrimination from others in your X?

Question 17

What are indirect Qs useful for?

Answer 17

The participant will usually talk ‘outside themself’, but their own attitudes may be revealed to some extent –> further careful questioning is essential to accurately interpret their responses

Question 18

Indirect Q e.g.

Answer 18

How do you think other people would react to X?

Question 19

What are structuring Qs useful for?

Answer 19

Assists the participant to move on to the next line of questioning

• -> researchers should indicate when the topic of the previous question has been dealt with
• -> also useful when the participant is discussing something that may not be directly relevant

Question 20

Structuring Q e.g.

Answer 20

Summary of the answer given then ‘I would now like to introduce another topic’

Question 21

What are clarifying Qs useful for?

Answer 21

Helps to ensure that the interviewee’s comments have been understood
–> researcher to indicate that this is the intention of the question

Question 22

Clarifying Q e.g.

Answer 22

It sounds like the feeling of shame was what prevented you from seeking support earlier?

Question 23

What are interpreting Qs useful for?

Answer 23

Help to clarify what the participants have suggested

Question 24

Interpreting Q e.g.

Answer 24

Is it correct that you felt that X?

Question 25

What to do on arrival and introduction

Answer 25

• Engage in small talk and make the participant feel comfortable
• Acknowledge the fact that they took time to participate in the study as a way of developing rapport
• Introduce the research and explain the purpose of the study + their involvement
• Reassure them of confidentiality and ask for consent
• Let them know you might take some notes

Question 26

How to begin the interview

Answer 26

• Start with an open-ended question and encourage them to keep talking by using probes
• Be mindful of your body language and non-verbal cues
• Take notes on things to clarify
• Allow the interview to flow

Question 27

How to end the interview

Answer 27

• Summarise key points OR indicate that you have no further questions and then ask if they would like to add anything
• Ensure they leave the interview feeling that their contribution was valuable

Question 28

What to do after the interview

Answer 28

• Maybe debrief with the participant
• DO NOT RUSH OFF - participant may experience distress so you may need to refer them to appropriate support
• Take time to thank them and reconfirm how much they contributed to the research

Question 29

How to prevent things from going wrong

Answer 29

1. Take time to design your interview guide and test it
2. Location of the interview - quiet and private place to protect confidentiality
3. Recording interviews - can relisten
4. Transcribing interviews