So you Really Want to Interview Me?: Navigating “Sensitive” Qualitative Research Interviewing

Abstract

This article discusses the qualitative interviewing techniques that the authors used to conduct their respective dissertation research in Jamaica and South Carolina. (The research in Jamaica examined the implementation of primary education policies. The research in South Carolina delved into the life history of Benner C. Turner, a controversial college president.) Most of the literature about interviewing focuses on asking the right questions; in contrast, this article discusses the challenges of interviewing. In this article, selected interviews are used from both studies to examine the difficulties these researchers encountered when conducting "sensitive" interviews, the risks female researchers face in unfamiliar places, and the challenges of working in international settings (which requires interpersonal skills and cultural competency). While the task of research interviewing is complex, the authors provide ideas that can be used to navigate such moments.

Attending to emotion in a metaphor for success in physics with poetic analysis

“…Reconstructing the transcript into a poem also revealed the value of providing space to participants: providing space in time to answer and explain difficult questions [44], physical space by interviewing in spaces where they feel comfortable [45,46], space in writing to express themselves in their words [47], space to theorize on their own perspectives to support their agency [48,49], and space in authorship to give credit for their work [50]. Thus, poetic analysis can be valuable to researchers intending to analyze and represent emotional interview data in ways that lead to fresh insights and amplify marginalized voices.…”

“A Crazy Roller Coaster at the End”: A Qualitative Study of Death Preparedness With Caregivers of Persons With Dementia

“…Written informed consent was obtained prior to each interview. Sensitive interviewing techniques were employed including: frequent breaks and/or discontinuation of the interview if needed, a list of supportive resources provided at the end of the interview, validation of emotions availability of the interviewer for follow-up and connection to additional resources if needed) ( Brayda & Boyce, 2014 ; Roberts & McGilloway, 2011 ). All of the participants demonstrated emotions during the interview (e.g., crying, sadness), however no participants wanted to end the interview.…”

Understanding the Success of Government Portals: The Role of Political Leadership, Standards, and a Powerful Centralized IT Agency

“…With the support of SEI, the research team conducted semi-structured interviews with people who have a role in the administration and development of the portal. We used a snowball strategy (Brayda & Boyce, 2014) to identify additional potential interviewees in the General Directorate of SEI. This paper uses a purposeful sample of key informants with prior experience and involvement with the state portal and the network of agencies managing it.…”