Serial Interviews: When and Why to Talk to Someone More Than Once
The article “Serial Interviews: When and Why to Talk to Someone More Than Once” by Benjamin Read was published in 2018 in the International Journal of Qualitative Methods. The paper is devoted to the description of the method of serial interviewing and the factors which determine its need in sociological research. This approach is most relevant in a number of cases when a single interview cannot provide sufficient information. In particular, this technique is more suitable when exploring difficult or poorly understood areas. Additionally, its application is appropriate “when interviews are subject to time constraints, when exploring change or variation over time” (Read 1). Moreover, serial interviews are an effective method of verifying information and data obtained.
This article provides detailed information on the serial interview method, which is an effective complement to other approaches. First of all, the paper was chosen because it contains examples of such an interview, as well as a review of the literature on the topic. Additionally, the cases when the use of this technique is preferable and the main differences from a single-session interview are considered in detail. The article provides comprehensive information about this technique since, in the literature, it is not always possible to find enough data on the practical application of serial interviewing.
The strengths of the article include describing the technique through an interesting case study. Moreover, the paper is well structured and allows the most complete assimilation of the information received. The weaknesses of the article include the fact that the author does not provide guidelines or advice on how to conduct a serial interview and develop questions. However, in general, the article is a full-fledged theoretical review of the method. This paper is recommended reading for all researchers who strive to expand the set of tools for knowledge and a complete understanding of existing research problems.
Interviewing Elites: Methodological Issues Confronting a Novice
The article “Interviewing Elites: Methodological Issues Confronting a Novice” by Xu Liu was published in 2018 in the International Journal of Qualitative Methods. This paper is devoted to the study of the problems of the process of interviewing respondents with a higher social status. In particular, attention is paid to “making preparation, gaining access, establishing trust, and facing interpersonal challenges during interviews” (Liu 1). The research is based on a survey of high-ranking officials of private educational institutions in China and presents their authoritative view of the problem.
The article was selected because it covers a common but insufficiently studied topic. It is often difficult for newcomers to sociological research to adapt to different types of respondents, which can lead to unsatisfactory results. Moreover, at the beginning of the paper, a detailed description of the concept of the elite is provided, which determines the factors which need to be paid attention to. This article contains information that is useful for deepening your knowledge of the interviewing method for a wider variety of groups.
The strengths of the article include a clear structure, which offers a detailed consideration of the methodology for conducting this type of interview. Moreover, the research is based on an assessment of the views of potential participants, which makes this information relevant and authoritative. In addition to the fact that a significant part of the paper is devoted to describing the strategy, the author also identifies possible obstacles for which one should prepare. This study does not contain weaknesses, as it provides complete theoretical and practical information on the entire process of interviewing respondents with high social status. This article is recommended for researchers seeking to expand their knowledge of the intervention of various social groups.
Works Cited
Liu, Xu. “Interviewing Elites: Methodological Issues Confronting a Novice.” International Journal of Qualitative Methods, vol. 17, no. 1, 2018, pp. 1-9. Web.
Read, Benjamin. “Serial Interviews: When and Why to Talk to Someone More Than Once.” International Journal of Qualitative Methods, vol. 17, no. 1, 2018, pp. 1-10. Web.