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Journal ArticleDOI

Qualitative Interview Design: A Practical Guide for Novice Investigators

19 Nov 2014-The Qualitative Report (Nova Southeastern University)-Vol. 15, Iss: 3, pp 754-760
TL;DR: In this article, the effective ways to conduct in-depth, qualitative interviews for novice investigators by employing a step-by-step process for implementation is discussed. But, the authors focus on the qualitative research design of the interview protocol, which can be complicated depending upon the level of experience a researcher may have with a particular type of methodology.
Abstract: Qualitative research design can be complicated depending upon the level of experience a researcher may have with a particular type of methodology. As researchers, many aspire to grow and expand their knowledge and experiences with qualitative design in order to better utilize diversified research paradigms for future investigations. One of the more popular areas of interest in qualitative research design is that of the interview protocol. Interviews provide in-depth information pertaining to participants’ experiences and viewpoints of a particular topic. Often times, interviews are coupled with other forms of data collection in order to provide the researcher with a well-rounded collection of information for analyses. This paper explores the effective ways to conduct in-depth, qualitative interviews for novice investigators by employing a step-by-step process for implementation. Key Words: Informal Conversational Interview, General Interview Guide, OpenEnded Interviews
Citations
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Rigorous development of a qualitative semi-structured interview guide contributes to the objectivity and trustworthiness of studies and makes the results more plausible.
Abstract: Aim: To produce a framework for the development of a qualitative semi-structured interview guide. Background: Rigorous data collection procedures fundamentally influence the results of studies. The semi-structured interview is a common data collection method, but methodological research on the development of a semi-structured interview guide is sparse. Design: Systematic methodological review. Data Sources: We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Science for methodological papers on semi-structured interview guides from October 2004 - September 2014. Having examined 2,703 titles and abstracts and 21 full texts, we finally selected ten papers. Review methods: We analysed the data using the qualitative content analysis method. Results: Our analysis resulted in new synthesized knowledge on the development of a semistructured interview guide, including five phases: 1) identifying the prerequisites for using semi-structured interviews; 2) retrieving and using previous knowledge; 3) formulating the preliminary semi-structured interview guide; 4) pilot testing the guide; and 5) presenting the complete semi-structured interview guide. Conclusion: Rigorous development of a qualitative semi-structured interview guide contributes to the objectivity and trustworthiness of studies and makes the results more plausible. Researchers should consider using this five-step process to develop a semistructured interview guide and justify the decisions made during it.

1,161 citations


Cites background or methods from "Qualitative Interview Design: A Pra..."

  • ...This form of testing was the most commonly used in the development of a semi-structured interview process (Barriball & While 1994, Krauss et al. 2009, Turner 2010)....

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  • ...Follow-up questions could be pre-designed (Whiting 2008, Rabionet 2010), spontaneous or based on the participant’s answer (Whiting 2008, Turner 2010, Chenail 2011)....

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  • ...The form of a semi-structured interview guide was considered loose (Åstedt-Kurki & Heikkinen 1994, Dearnley 2005) and flexible (Dearnley 2005, Turner 2010), which allowed dialogue during an interview (Whiting 2008, Cridland et al. 2015), the opportunity to change the order of the questions…...

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  • ...The aim was to maintain the flow of the interview (Whiting 2008) and gain accurate (Barriball & While 1994, Baumbusch 2010, Whiting 2008, Rabionet 2011) and optimal information (Turner 2010)....

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  • ...Previous knowledge created a predetermined framework for the interview (Barriball & While 1994, Turner 2010)....

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe the process of the conduct of preliminary tests to determine the construct and content validity of the chosen data collection method for a study into the relationship between Islamic principles and objectives, Islamic financial law and Takaful (Isamic Insurance) operations and practices in Nigeria.
Abstract: This paper describes the process of the conduct of preliminary tests to determine the construct and content validity of the chosen data collection method for a study into the relationship between Islamic principles and objectives, Islamic financial law and Takaful (Isamic Insurance) operations and practices in Nigeria.Semi-structured interviews were tested on a select group of respondents mirroring the intended subjects in the field.The pilot test showed the construct to be both valid and reliable while giving the opportunity to insert refinements to the research tool.

210 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, an analytical framework for P2P microgrids is developed based on literature review as well as expert interviews, which incorporates technological, economic, social, 4) environmental and 5) institutional dimensions.
Abstract: The future of energy is complex, with fluctuating renewable resources in increasingly distributed systems. It is suggested that blockchain technology is a timely innovation with potential to facilitate this future. Peer-to-peer (P2P) microgrids can support renewable energy as well as economically empower consumers and prosumers. However, the rapid development of blockchain and prospects for P2P energy networks is coupled with several grey areas in the institutional landscape. The purpose of this paper is to holistically explore potential challenges of blockchain-based P2P microgrids, and propose practical implications for institutional development as well as academia. An analytical framework for P2P microgrids is developed based on literature review as well as expert interviews. The framework incorporates 1) Technological, 2) Economic, 3) Social, 4) Environmental and 5) Institutional dimensions. Directions for future work in practical and academic contexts are identified. It is suggested that bridging the gap from technological to institutional readiness would require the incorporation of all dimensions as well as their inter-relatedness. Gradual institutional change leveraging community-building and regulatory sandbox approaches are proposed as potential pathways in incorporating this multi-dimensionality, reducing cross-sectoral silos, and facilitating interoperability between current and future systems. By offering insight through holistic conceptualization, this paper aims to contribute to expanding research in building the pillars of a more substantiated institutional arch for blockchain in the energy sector.

208 citations


Cites background from "Qualitative Interview Design: A Pra..."

  • ...This structure enables interviewees to give comprehensive and in-depth responses [41], which is useful for an exploratory study....

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors explored how novice researchers perceive themselves as being the research instrument in the process of gaining interviewing experience, and found that the most appropriate informants of such a study would be novice researchers who might be more prone to be influenced by their own subjectivity, or at least less aware of it than seasoned researchers.
Abstract: Lincoln and Guba (1985) first introduced the concept of the human being as research instrument to stress the uniqueness of the researchers' role in the process of scientific inquiry. This uniqueness lies in the notion that only people construct and bring meaning into the world through their qualities of sensitivity, responsiveness and flexibility, making them the most appropriate instrument for inquiries aiming to arrive at understanding, meaning, the promotion of critical awareness, emancipation, and movement toward deconstruction or decolonization. The primary point of interest in qualitative inquiry, specifically, is the understanding of a phenomenon of interest from the perspective of those under study. Nevertheless, the researcher, consciously or unconsciously, brings to the research setting his or her own predispositions, assumptions and beliefs, which may align or diverge from those of his or her study participants. This is especially true if the researcher has a strong affinity with the population under study. The topic of subjectivity or propensity for bias as it pertains to the human instrument has been discussed by the scientific community for several decades (and perhaps longer). Some authors (e.g., Peshkin, 1988; Heron & Reason, 1997) argue that "subjectivity" is, in fact, advantageous and "can be seen as virtuous, for it is the basis of researchers making a distinctive contribution, one that results from the unique configuration of their personal qualities joined to the data they have collected" (Peshkin, 1988, p. 18), which can help the researcher become better equipped to see as others see. Other scholars (Denzin, 1989; Scheurich, 1994; Mehra, 2002) purport that affinity and subjectivity put researchers at a disadvantage by limiting their ability to "accidentally step into" the realm of the phenomenon under study beyond their personal understanding or experiencing of it. Literature on qualitative research methodologies discusses reflexivity as a technique that researchers may use to address and even guard against bias. Various authors suggest keeping reflective journals (Borg, 2001; Janesick, 1999; Ortlipp, 2008; Watt, 2007) or reflective writing within research (Jasper, 2005) as tools allowing researchers to draw a line between their subjectivity and observable phenomenon. However, there are proportionally less studies that explore the actual experiences of novice researchers undergoing what could be considered as a calibration process, or initial attempts at being reflexive in their research practice. As novice researchers ourselves, we feel it is an interesting question, that is, how the human instrument comes to the realization of one's own subjectivity, predisposition and bias, i.e. the initial experiences of reflexivity. Such calibration is only possible in the process and context of acquiring hands-on research experience, where a researcher faces the challenge of keeping his or her own predispositions and assumptions from interfering into their understanding of the phenomenon under study. In attempting to better understanding this subject, we felt (our own assumption) that the most appropriate informants of such a study would be novice researchers who might be more prone to be influenced by their own subjectivity, or at least less aware of it, than seasoned researchers. Furthermore, even though all qualitative researchers (ideally) try to make meaning of their research experience regardless of level of experience and proficiency, novices might be especially acute to their initial experiences due to the steep learning curve that occurs at the beginning of the journey. Therefore, exploring their experiences can potentially provide fresh and valuable insights into the process of self-adjustment that takes place within the human instrument. In light of the above, we posed the following research question to guide our inquiry into the process of calibration among novice researchers: how do novice qualitative researchers perceive themselves as being the research instrument in the process of gaining interviewing experience? …

173 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: By implementing minor adaptations that enhance cultural relevance, mindfulness meditation can be a beneficial therapeutic intervention for this population of African Americans adults.
Abstract: African Americans experience a disproportionate rate of stress-related health conditions compared to European Americans. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to be effective for managing stress and various stress-related health conditions. This study explored the cultural relevance of mindfulness meditation training for African Americans adults. Fifteen African American adults with past or current experience with mindfulness meditation training were interviewed. Participants felt that mindfulness meditation helped them with enhanced stress management, direct health improvement, and enhanced self-awareness and purposefulness. They felt that they would recommend it and that other African Americans would be open to the practice but suggested that its presentation may need to be adapted. They suggested emphasizing the health benefits, connecting it to familiar spiritual ideology and cultural practices, supplementing the reading material with African American writers, increasing communication (education, instructor availability, "buddy system," etc.), and including African Americans as instructors and participants. By implementing minor adaptations that enhance cultural relevance, mindfulness meditation can be a beneficial therapeutic intervention for this population.

139 citations


Cites methods from "Qualitative Interview Design: A Pra..."

  • ...Method Design, Setting, and Procedures This study used a qualitative description design (see Sandelowski, 2012), including purposive sampling, standardized open-ended interviews (Gall, Gall, & Borg, 2003; Turner, 2010), and applied thematic analysis (Guest, MacQueen, & Namey, 2012)....

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References
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Book
01 Jan 1994
TL;DR: The eagerly anticipated fourth edition of the title that pioneered the comparison of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research design, John W, Creswell as discussed by the authors, includes a preliminary consideration of philosophical assumptions, a review of the literature, an assessment of the use of theory in research approaches, and reflections about the importance writing and ethics in scholarly inquiry.
Abstract: The eagerly anticipated fourth edition of the title that pioneered the comparison of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research design. for all three approaches, John W, Creswell includes a preliminary consideration of philosophical assumptions, a review of the literature, an assessment of the use of theory in research approaches, and reflections about the importance writing and ethics in scholarly inquiry.

20,949 citations

Book
10 Apr 2017
TL;DR: Poth mengeksplorasi dasar filosofis, sejarah, and elemen kunci dari lima pendekatan penelitian kualitatif as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Dalam edisi revisi keempat dari buku terlaris, John W. Creswell dan rekan penulis baru Cheryl N.Poth mengeksplorasi dasar filosofis, sejarah, dan elemen kunci dari lima pendekatan penelitian kualitatif: penelitian naratif, fenomenologi, teori dasar, etnografi, dan studi kasus. Mempertahankan gaya penulisannya, penulis membandingkan pendekatan dan menghubungkan desain penelitian dengan masing-masing tradisi penyelidikan dengan cara yang sangat mudah diakses. Menampilkan konten baru, artikel, pedagogi, referensi, dan cakupan etika yang diperluas. Edisi Keempat adalah pengantar yang ideal untuk teori, strategi, dan praktik penelitian kualitatif.

17,770 citations


"Qualitative Interview Design: A Pra..." refers background in this paper

  • ...McNamara (2009) suggests the importance of the preparation stage in order to maintain an unambiguous focus as to how the interviews will be erected in order to provide maximum benefit to the proposed research study....

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Journal ArticleDOI
01 Mar 2003
TL;DR: In this article, a nova edicao do conhecido livro sobre metodologia de pesquisa de Creswell is presented, e uma obra excelente de referencia for cursos introdutorios de metodology-de-pisa em programas de pos-graduacao.
Abstract: Nova edicao do conhecido livro sobre metodologia de pesquisa de Creswell. Originalmente pensado no campo da Educacao, o autor ficou muito conhecido tambem em Administracao. Nesta nova edicao, ele procura sair da dicotomia metodos quantitativos x qualitativos, com uma otima discussao adicional sobre metodos mistos. Como um todo, e uma obra excelente de referencia para cursos introdutorios de metodologia de pesquisa em programas de pos-graduacao.

17,126 citations

Book
01 Jan 2013
TL;DR: This chapter discusses five Qualitative Approaches to Inquiry, the design of a Qualitative Study, and standards of Validation and Reliability in Qualitative Research.
Abstract: Chapter 1. Introduction Chapter 2. Philosophical Assumptions and Interpretive Frameworks Chapter 3. Designing a Qualitative Study Chapter 4. Five Qualitative Approaches to Inquiry Chapter 5. Five Different Qualitative Studies Chapter 6. Introducing and Focusing the Study Chapter 7. Data Collection Chapter 8. Data Analysis and Representation Chapter 9. Writing a Qualitative Study Chapter 10. Standards of Validation and Reliability in Qualitative Research Chapter 11. "Turning the Story" and Conclusion Appendix A. An Annotated Glossary of Terms Appendix B. A Narrative Research Study Appendix C. A Phenomenological Study Appendix D. A Grounded Theory Study Appendix E. An Ethnography Appendix F. A Case Study

6,592 citations

01 Jan 2011
TL;DR: A Crash Course in StatisticsUnderstanding and Evaluating ResearchQuantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge AnalysisAn Applied Guide to Research DesignsIntegrating Qualitative and Quantitative MethodsIntroducing Research and Evidence-Based Practice for Nursing and Healthcare ProfessionalsQualitative Inquiry and Research DesignResearch Design (International Student Edition)The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods30 Essential Skills for the Qualitative ResearcherQualitative and QR Methods SimplifiedWriting a Proposal for Your Dissertation
Abstract: Social Research MethodsSocial Research MethodsA Concise Introduction to Mixed Methods ResearchDesigning Qualitative ResearchRESEARCH DESIGN: QUALITATIVE, QUANTITATIVE, AND MIXED METHODS APPROACH.Applied Qualitative Research DesignBasics of Qualitative ResearchA Crash Course in StatisticsUnderstanding and Evaluating ResearchQuantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge AnalysisAn Applied Guide to Research DesignsIntegrating Qualitative and Quantitative MethodsIntroducing Research and Evidence-Based Practice for Nursing and Healthcare ProfessionalsQualitative Inquiry and Research DesignResearch Design (International Student Edition)The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods30 Essential Skills for the Qualitative ResearcherQualitative and Quantitative Research Methods SimplifiedQualitative Inquiry and Research DesignWriting a Proposal for Your DissertationQuantitative Research for the Qualitative ResearcherQualitative ResearchQualitative Research DesignResearching HealthResearch DesignResearch DesignResearch DesignMixing Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative ResearchDesigning and Conducting Mixed Methods ResearchSocial Research MethodsQualitative-quantitative Research MethodologyIntroduction to Social ResearchResearch DesignResearch DesignResearch DesignQualitative Inquiry and Research DesignThe SAGE Handbook for Research in EducationResearch Design Qualitative and Quantitative ApproachesEducational ResearchSocial Research Methods

3,751 citations

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What is explanatory interview qualitative design?

The paper does not specifically mention the term "explanatory interview qualitative design."