Introduction to Qualitative Interviewing
bis
North Carolina, North Carolina
While there are ranges of ways to conduct research, interviewing is the most common form of data collection in qualitative research, with over half of qualitative studies relying on interview-based data. Interviews are valuable because they afford researchers opportunities to learn how people understand, interpret, and make meaning of their experiences through direct engagement. This introductory course provides practical skills for both designing and conducting semi-structured qualitative interviews (along with a brief overview of structured and unstructured interviewing). Using course participants’ research interests, we will develop interview protocols, practice conducting effective interviews—with emphasis on active listening and asking productive follow-up questions. Participants will learn to formulate open-ended questions, organize interview questions around a research question, and use interview probes to invite elaboration, clarification, and reflection. Through examples, discussion, and hands-on activities, we will consider how interviewing is a relational and interpretive process that also requires that researchers reflect on how their own perspectives shape assumptions and decision-making. This course is designed for beginning qualitative researchers and will offer practical opportunities and experiences to plan and conduct semi-structured interviews for qualitative research. Registration and fee (refundable for UNCCH students) is required to secure your spot and for Zoom access. Registration covers individual only.