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Researching the researcher-as-instrument: an exercise in interviewer self-reflexivity
Anne E Pezalla1, Jonathan Pettigrew1, Michelle Miller-Day1
1Pennsylvania State University, USA.
Qualitative Research : QR
|August 22, 2015
Summary
Researcher characteristics significantly impact qualitative interviews. Tailoring interviewer approaches to topic sensitivity enhances data collection, benefiting team-based research rather than hindering it.
Area of Science:
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Social Sciences
- Psychology
Background:
- The researcher is the primary instrument in qualitative interviews.
- Individual characteristics can influence empirical material collection.
- Systematic investigation of interviewer characteristics is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the influence of interviewer characteristics on qualitative data.
- To examine how individual interview practices shape conversational spaces.
- To assess the impact of interviewer variation in team-based qualitative inquiry.
Main Methods:
- Reflexive analysis of interviews conducted by a qualitative research team.
- Self-reflection and peer-observation of interviewer characteristics and practices.
- Exploration of how interviewer traits affect narrative elicitation.
Main Results:
- Specific interviewer characteristics may be more effective for sensitive topics.
- Variation in interviewer styles can elicit diverse and detailed narratives.
- Interviewer diversity can benefit team-based qualitative research goals.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced self-reflexivity should be integrated into interviewer training.
- Standardization of interviewer practices in qualitative teams is discouraged.
- Acknowledging and leveraging interviewer individuality enhances research depth.
Keywords:
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