Introduction to Qualitative Interviewing
Date:
24/06/2022
Organised by:
Social Research Associaiton
Presenter:
Dr Karen Lumsden
Level:
Entry (no or almost no prior knowledge)
Contact:
Lindsay Adams
E: lindsay.adams@the-sra.org.uk (preferred method of contact)
T: 0204 551 3864
Venue: Online
Description:
This introductory level course introduces participants to the method of qualitative interviewing. This includes its benefits, examples of effective interviewing, and the key ethical and practical issues to be considered. (Foundation level) * It runs in one day and uses Zoom software.
Introduction/Overview
Qualitative interviewing is a popular method in social research and it is often described as a conversation between interviewer and interviewee. It allows us to collect detailed and rich information about individuals’ lives, their experiences, behaviours, and how they understand and make sense of the world. The rich insight it provides into people’s lives is one of the benefits which the method offers over standardised surveys or questionnaires.
This introductory level course introduces participants to the method of qualitative interviewing. This includes its benefits, examples of effective interviewing, and the key ethical and practical issues to be considered. We look at types of qualitative interview which include structured, unstructured and semi-structured interviews. In particular, we explore the benefits of semi-structured interviewing which involves a combination of pre-set open ended questions with room for the exploration of other (sometimes unanticipated) topics. Participants gain experience of designing their own interview schedule and of conducting a semi-structured interview.
By the end of the workshop, participants will have knowledge of various forms of qualitative interview and theories of interviewing. They will be able to distinguish between various types of interviews and questioning. They will be aware of practical and ethical issues which must be considered prior to interviews. They will also be able to design their own semi-structured interview schedule and conduct a semi-structured interview.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the principles of qualitative interviewing
- Have knowledge of the structuring of interviews
- Be aware of the factors to be considered when designing a qualitative interview
- Be able to design a qualitative interview
- Be aware of the importance of building rapport with interviewees
- Have an awareness of the ethical and practical issues which must be considered.
Topics
- The benefits of qualitative interviews
- Types of qualitative interview including structured, unstructured and semi-structured interviews
- Designing and structuring a semi-structured interview schedule
- Conducting a semi-structured interview
- Questioning: open and closed
- Practical considerations (i.e. recording and transcription)
- The ethics of interviewing
- How to build relationships and rapport with interviewees.
Who will benefit?
This introductory course will be of value to researchers who already have a basic understanding of qualitative research methods but who wish to delve into the method of qualitative interviewing in more depth.
Course Tutor
Dr Karen Lumsden is Assistant Professor in Criminology at the University of Nottingham and has a PhD in Sociology from the University of Aberdeen. She has over 15 years’ experience teaching qualitative research methods at postgraduate level and to academics and practitioners. This includes courses at the Universities of Aberdeen, Glasgow, Essex, Auckland, Kingston University, and for the SRA. Karen has also designed and delivered social research methods training for police officers and staff via the East Midlands Policing Academic Collaboration (EMPAC) and for research consultancies. She has authored a number of academic books and journal articles on qualitative research methods. She is on the Editorial Board of the journal Qualitative Research.
Cost:
£165 for SRA members, £220 for non-members
Website and registration:
Region:
International
Keywords:
Qualitative Interviewing
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