Overview

The research interview method in theory and practice

The focus of the course is on conducting interviews, the role of the interviewer/moderator, the relationship between the interviewer and the interviewees,and practical circumstances in planning and conducting research interviews, including face-to-face interviews and online interviews, single interviews and group interviews, elite interviews and non-elite interviews, and field interviews. The course also situates research interviews within the broader methodology of social science/differentiates research interviews from other research methodologies in social science, discusses the intellectual history of the research interview method, epistemological issues relating to interviews, what research questions are appropriate studying with research interviews, ethical issues related to research interviews, and offers a brief primer on analysing interview data.

Course design

During the course, the student develops the design of a scientific study using research interviews. In order to enhance the learning experience, the students are divided into peer learning groups where the assignments are discussed and where they do exercises. The lectures introduce an overview of the interview process and theoretical concepts. The workshops allow the student to focus on and engage with the practical aspects of interviewing.

Online course platform

This course uses Canvas as the online course platform. The course platform will be opened one week before the course begins to all students who were accepted. Here you will be able to access literature, assignments, announcements, as well as participate in discussions and communicate with teachers. 

Schedule

The course schedule can be found under the course information on the right. Please note that the final version of the schedule will be made available four weeks before the course begins, and changes may occur until that point. A more detailed schedule will be available on the course platform on Canvas.