Conducting qualitative research interviews, challenges and responses
Students in colleges and universities have to complete some type of research project in order to be awarded a degree. The information presented below reflects my experience in interviewing participants in my research. Students at the tertiary level of the education system may find this information useful. Every participant in your research will differ in terms of their expectation of the interview process and the resources which they bring to the interview. First, what are some of the expectations which participants have in terms of the process of the interview? Some participants may expect that you go directly to the "heart of the matter" as soon as the interview starts. They do not want to deal with preliminary matters such as providing background information about themselves or their organisations. If you had, beforehand, indicated to them that you wanted to discuss a particular matter they come to the interview focused on only discussing that matter. If you deviat...