Qualitative expert interviews have long been one of the most popular research methods in political and social research, yet tend to lack critical understanding and, consequently, run a risk of elicitation and under-theorisation of data. To avoid such risks, the course aims to introduce theoretical underpinnings of (expert) interviews, provide training in practical interview design and data generation process, and outline approaches to interview data management. Theoretical discussion covers philosophical assumptions, methodological underpinnings, ethics and reflexivity in interview research. Different types of interviews are introduced, followed by practical considerations, including sampling, gaining access, designing questions and adopting strategies for achieving breath and depth in data generation process. Potential interactional factors of influence in expert interview situations are explored and discussed in-depth. The course concludes with an outline of interview data management approaches and preparation of ‘raw’ data for analysis. A special emphasis of the course is on developing interview skills through practical experience of designing and conducting expert interviews.
Prerequisite knowledge
Note from the Academic Convenors to prospective participants: by registering to this course, you certify that you possess the prerequisite knowledge that is requested to be able to follow this course. The instructor will not teach again these prerequisite items. If you doubt whether you possess that knowledge to a sufficient extent, we suggest you contact the instructor before you proceed to your registration. Good knowledge of philosophical, epistemological and theoretical underpinnings of qualitative research and its differences from quantitative research. Good command of digital recorders/players and word processor software. Basic familiarity with computer assisted qualitative data analysis software (NVivo).
Short Bio
Alenka Jelen is a Lecturer, PG Programme Director and Researcher at the University of Stirling and a General Secretary of ECREA (European Communication Research and Education Association). She holds a PhD in Sociology – Communication Sciences from the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia. Her current research interest is in public relations and political communication studies with a focus on the interactions between media and politics, and qualitative research methods, particularly expert interviews.
URL: http://rms.stir.ac.uk/converis-stirling/person/22789
Instructor Bio
Alenka is Senior Lecturer at the University of Stirling. She holds a PhD in Sociology-Communication Sciences from the University of Ljubljana.
She has extensive international experience in interview research and teaching, and has been an ECPR Instructor since 2008.
Her research interests are in public relations, health and political communication, with a focus on academic development, gender, loss and intersections between media and politics.
@alenkajelen