lecure 7 - Planning and Conducting a Research Interview

PSYC224: Week 17 - Conducting and Analyzing Research Interviews

Instructor: Dr. Chris Walton

Institution: Lancaster University

Overview of Schedule

• Week 17: Focus on planning and conducting a research interview, emphasizing the importance of structured interviewing techniques and ethical considerations.

• Week 18: Evaluating interviews and initial data coding, including techniques for assessing the quality of interviews and preliminary analysis of data.

• Week 19: Refining themes through thematic analysis and psychological interpretation of qualitative data.

• Week 20: Writing, structuring, and evaluating qualitative research reports, ensuring alignment with academic standards.

Importance of Teamwork

Teamwork plays a crucial role in conducting qualitative projects, as collaboration fosters diverse perspectives and enhances the quality of data collection and analysis. Engaging in team discussions promotes shared understanding and helps refine research questions and methodologies.

Assessment Details

Qualitative Research Report Requirements:

• Title Page: Should contain the title of the research, authors, and affiliations.

• Abstract: A concise summary of the research objectives, methods, results, and conclusions (300-word limit).

• Method Section: Detailed description of research participants, data collection methods, and analytical techniques used.

• Results Section: Presentation of key findings with supporting evidence from the interviews.

• Discussion: Interpretation of results, implications for psychological theory and practice, and limitations of the study.

• References and Appendices: Citation of all literature and supplementary material relevant to the research.

Word Limit:

A total limit of 2,500 words for the Abstract, Method, Results (excluding extracts), and Discussion sections; Introduction, References, and Appendices are not included in the count.

Focus on Thematic Analysis

The focus for this course is on the thematic analysis of interviews, particularly regarding the topic of friendship. This involves identifying, analyzing, and reporting themes within qualitative data.

Introduction to Qualitative Research

Characteristics:

• Qualitative research engages primarily with non-numerical data, which can take various forms.

• It addresses complex research problems that cannot be adequately understood through numerical data or inferential statistics.

• Researchers utilize a range of textual data sources, including open-ended questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, media content, existing databases, and personal diaries.

Qualitative Data Accessibility:

While qualitative texts can be quantitatively analyzed, treating them as qualitative data allows for a deeper understanding of their context and implications.

Types of Qualitative Data

Naturally Occurring Data (Examples):

• A transcript excerpt illustrating interpersonal dynamics and emotions, such as jealousy and conflict within friendships.

• Other forms of naturally occurring data may include video recordings and online comments, which provide insights into public interactions and opinions.

Understanding Qualitative Research

Qualitative research aims to explore human subjective experiences rather than seeking objective truths. It is prevalent across various fields of psychology, including health, forensic psychology, and clinical practice.

Challenges for Novice Researchers

Qualitative research presents specific challenges, requiring a shift from traditional scientific approaches and redefining knowledge acquisition.

Misconceptions about Qualitative Research

Qualitative research is not:

• A substitute for theory; it plays a role in theory development.

• A shortcut; it often demands more rigorous effort and critical thinking compared to quantitative approaches.

• Exempt from ethical scrutiny; ethical considerations are paramount throughout the research process.

• Inferior quality due to its subjective nature; it must undergo thorough evaluation to ensure validity and reliability.

Research Questions in Qualitative Research

Qualitative research focuses on process-oriented questions (e.g., How do young adults experience and interpret 'friendship'?), distinguishing itself from quantitative studies that seek to test hypotheses or predict outcomes.

Planning and Conducting Research Interviews

Topics Covered:

• Crafting an effective interview schedule, understanding and managing ethical issues, and best practices for recording and transcribing interviews.

• Each participant is required to conduct and transcribe an interview, ensuring hands-on experience with qualitative research methods.

Sample and Population Considerations:

Research should primarily focus on young adults, without imposing strict demographic parameters regarding gender, nationality, or ethnicity.

• Homogeneous Samples: Promote coherence in themes and findings.

• Heterogeneous Samples: Capture a wider range of perspectives and experiences.

Writing an Interview Schedule

Purpose:

To facilitate a comprehensive exploration of the interviewee's subjective experiences and the meanings they attribute to them.

Structure:

• A semi-structured format is recommended, consisting of designated openings, key questions, and closings.

• Utilize Kvale’s (1996) variety of question types to guide interview content: introducing, follow-up, probing, specifying, direct, indirect, structuring, silence, and interpreting questions.

Conducting Research Interviews

Best Practices:

• Carefully consider the interview setting to create a supportive environment.

• Manage interaction effectively while being prepared with the necessary equipment.

• Establish rapport with the interviewee through genuine engagement, active listening, and empathy.

• Monitor non-verbal cues, fostering an atmosphere of trust and respect to elicit high-quality, rich information.

Ethical Considerations in Interviews

Adhere to the British Psychological Society (BPS) Code of Human Research Ethics, which encompasses:

• Autonomy and dignity of participants.

• Scientific integrity and social responsibility in research conduct.

• Maximizing benefits while minimizing potential harm to participants.

• Ensure informed consent is obtained, maintaining confidentiality and anonymity throughout the study.

• Continuously monitor participant well-being throughout the research process, addressing any issues as they arise.

Recording and Transcribing Practices

• Utilize high-quality audio recording equipment to capture interviews accurately.

• Determine the focus of transcription in line with research objectives, which may include verbatim detail, structural features of language, or non-verbal behaviors.

• Follow established formatting guidelines for transcripts to ensure clarity and consistency, making analysis more manageable.

Weekly Practical Tasks

Session goals involve forming groups and developing comprehensive interview schedules. Participants are required to complete the transcription of their interviews and submit signed consent forms in the upcoming sessions.

Qualitative Analysis Software: NVivo

NVivo provides powerful tools for qualitative data analysis, facilitating coding and data retrieval functionalities. It is available for download and is recommended for use in group analysis sessions to enhance collaboration and efficiency.

Thematic Analysis Overview

To conduct a successful Thematic Analysis, follow the guidance provided by Braun & Clarke (2006). Familiarize yourself with the phases outlined in the referenced paper to prepare for upcoming tasks and ensure effective reporting of qualitative findings.