What are the key factors to consider when collecting data through interviews?

3 Sampling and recruiting participants

The quality and validity of your data depend largely on the selection and participation of your interviewees. You need to define your target population, determine your sampling strategy, and recruit your participants accordingly. You may use different sampling techniques, such as random, purposive, or snowball sampling, depending on your research purpose and criteria. You also need to consider the number, diversity, and accessibility of your participants, and how to obtain their informed consent and ethical approval.

4 Conducting the interview

The actual interview is the core of the data collection process, where you interact with your participants and elicit their views and stories. You need to establish rapport, trust, and respect with your participants, and create a comfortable and conducive environment for the interview. You also need to use effective communication skills, such as listening, questioning, clarifying, summarizing, and reflecting, to facilitate the dialogue and obtain rich and relevant data. You should also be aware of potential biases, assumptions, and expectations that may influence your interpretation and interaction.

5 Recording and transcribing the interview

Recording and transcribing the interview are essential steps to preserve and process the data for further analysis. You need to decide how to record the interview, whether using audio, video, or notes, and obtain the permission of your participants. You also need to ensure the quality and reliability of the recording, and check for any technical issues or errors. Transcribing the interview involves converting the spoken data into written text, which can be done manually or with software. You need to choose the level and style of transcription, such as verbatim, edited, or summarized, and follow the conventions and guidelines of transcription.

6 Analyzing and interpreting the interview

The final and most challenging step of the data collection process is to analyze and interpret the interview data. You need to select and apply a suitable method of analysis, such as thematic, narrative, or discourse analysis, and use appropriate tools and techniques, such as coding, categorizing, or mapping. You also need to identify and explain the patterns, themes, and meanings that emerge from the data, and relate them to your research question, objectives, and literature. You should also acknowledge the limitations, validity, and implications of your data and analysis.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?