Checklist: Selecting a Method for Collecting Verbal Data

Research question

Can the interview type and its application address the essential aspects of the research question?

Interview type

Has the method been applied according to its methodological elements and targets?

Has jumping between interview types been avoided, except when it is grounded in the research question or theoretically?

Interviewer

Are the interviewers able to apply the interview type?

What are the consequences of their own fears and uncertainties in the situation?

Interviewee

Is the interview type appropriate to the target group?

How can one take into account the fears, uncertainties and expectations of (potential) interviewees?

Scope allowed to the participant

Can the participants present their views in the framework of the questions?

Is there enough scope for the new, unexpected and surprising?

Scope allowed to the interviewee

Can the interviewees present their views within the framework of the questions?

Can they assert their views against the framework of the questions?

Analyse any inconsistencies in order to validate the design between the first and second field contacts if possible

Interaction

Have the interviewers conducted the interview according to the correct procedure?

Have they left sufficient scope for the interviewee?

Did they fulfil their role? (Why not?)

Were the interviewee’s role, the interviewer’s role and the situation clearly defined for the interviewee?

Could the interviewee fulfil his or her role? (Why not?)

Analyse any inconsistencies in order to validate the interview between the first and second interview if possible.

Aim of the interpretation

Are you interested in finding and analysing limited and clear answers or complex, multiple patterns, contexts, etc.?

Claim for generalization

On which level should statements be made:

For the single case (the interviewed individual and his or her biography, an institution and its impact, etc.)?

With reference to groups (about a profession, a type of institution, etc.)?

General statements?

An Introduction to Qualitative Research