Pixilated partnerships, overcoming obstacles in qualitative interviews via Skype: a research note

Abstract

This research note discusses the effectiveness of using video internet technologies, like Skype, for qualitative interviews. Skype may present some challenges for interviewing, including dropped calls and pauses, inaudible segments, inability to read body language and nonverbal cues, and loss of intimacy compared to traditional in-person interviews. Based on reflections from 45 university student researchers, the following short paper details how to overcome such obstacles and to create a successful research partnership between the researcher and participant. Strategies include confirming a stable internet connection, finding a quiet room without distractions, slowing down and clarifying talk, being open to repeating answers and questions, and paying close attention to facial expressions.

Online interviewing with interpreters in humanitarian contexts

“…As experienced by other researchers, the lack of control over the physical setting in which participants were located led to interruptions or the presence of others in the background (Deakin & Wakefield, 2014). The impossibility of knowing when people were/were not present during interviews could lead to the misinterpretation of visual cues, such as smiles or turning of heads, which could be non-verbal cues relating to the conversation, or a response to the presence of others in the room (Seitz, 2016). …”

“…Low bandwidth meant even when available, visual cues were limited or froze, and a time-lag in relaying the audio meant such cues were asynchoronous to verbal utterances. Additionally, even when available, video restricted physical presence by only displaying the participant’s head and shoulders (Seitz, 2016), leaving absent other body language such as positioning of hands and legs. Furthermore, simple non-verbal connections, such as eye contact, are impossible in online formats (Seitz, 2016).…”

Telephonic qualitative research interviews: when to consider them and how to do them

“…Second, while everyone has a mobile phone not everyone has a smart phone which is necessary for Skype calls (Deakin and Wakefield, 2014;Seitz, 2015). Additionally, not everyone has access to the internet on their smart phones.…”

“…This also serves to build rapport with interviewees (as also noted by Deakin and Wakefield, 2014;Seitz, 2015). Consequently, researchers need to continuously monitor emails in order to provide a quick reply to interviewees who have questions regarding the research or who wish to reschedule the interview.…”

“…The researcher would require a computer (or a smart phone) and an internet connection (Seitz, 2015). The latest version of the Skype software should be installed at both ends (Seitz, 2015).…”