Overview
This in-person course introduces a critical but friendly approach to qualitative interviewing which recognises both the strengths and weaknesses of interviews in social science research.
Since Atkinson and Silverman (2007) identified an ‘interview society’ questioning why interviews seemed to be the ‘go-to’ method for qualitative researchers, interviews have become even more ubiquitous. Celebrity ‘tell all’ interviews and podcasts all use the interview as a medium to access the interview participants’ real ‘authentic selves’ and ‘their truth’.
The summer school on qualitative interviewing was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on both theoretical and practical aspects of interviewing. I loved how the course is not meant to be an introduction but goes into real depth. Gail has been an engaging and inspiring tutor. It's been a very memorable course
Methodological debates in the social sciences recognise that this is problematic and question whether interviews give privileged access to the interior subjectivity and experiences of participants. However as noted by Silverman (2017), social science researchers continue to use interview data uncritically, focusing on the ‘what’ is said rather than the ‘why’ or the ‘how’ of what is said.
In light of this critique participants will be encouraged to critically reflect on why they are using qualitative interviews in their research, their own role in data collection and the nature of the data generated in interviews.
Meet your course lead
Dr Gail Hebson has worked in Alliance Manchester Business School and Manchester Metropolitan University and taught qualitative research methods for many years to MSc, Phd and MBA students.
Gail has extensive interviewing experience with a particular specialism with interviewing workers in low paid employment and service work. She has supervised many PhD students who have used qualitative interviews in their data collection and has published in a range of journals and books including; Work, Employment and Society; Gender, Work and Society, Sociology and Human Resource Management.
Further course details
Philosophical debates in qualitative research will be introduced and participants will be encouraged to position their approach in relation to these. Participants will also be equipped with some of the practical tools and skills they need to carry out different types of interviews, including online and group interviews and new ‘innovative’ interview practices including walking interviews will also be discussed.
An introduction to grounded theory and thematic analysis will also be given with opportunities to put new knowledge and skills into practice by carrying out interviews with peers and analysing interview transcripts.
Ultimately the course will help participants develop more confidence in doing interviews and in the explanations and in theories they generate from their interview-based research.
Course aims
During this this course participants will:
- Develop a reflexive approach to their own choices about why they are using interviews and what they hope to achieve by using them
- Differentiate between distinct philosophical underpinnings of qualitative research interviews and begin to position their own approach in relation to these
- Assess different types of interviews and their suitability for different participants and contexts including group interviews, online interviews and walking interviews
- Experiment with using different types of interview questions by designing an interview guide and gaining hands-on experience of interviewing peers to help build confidence and expertise through feedback and reflection
- Examine two data analysis techniques in detail - grounded theory and thematic analysis – as an introduction to making sense of qualitative data and the processes that can be used to make interpretations transparent
Who is likely to most benefit from attending this course?
The course will appeal to PhD social science students and researchers at the beginning of their qualitative research journey and also those researchers who have more experience and want to take the opportunity to reflect on their own qualitative interview practices and gain new insights and learning from up to date examples and their peers.
The summer school surpassed my expectations in every way. I learned so much which will be directly relevant to my future research and career generally. Really fantastic!!!!
Any preparatory work or pre-requisites?
There is no specific preparatory work or pre-requisites, but if you are new to qualitative interviewing the following readings would provide useful background:
- Braun, V, & Clarke, V (2013).Successful Qualitative Research: A practical guide for beginners. SAGE Publications Ltd.
- Kvale, S. & Brinkmann, S. (2014). InterViews: Learning the Craft of Qualitative Research Interviewing. London: Sage
- Silverman, D. (2017). How was it for you? The Interview Society and the irresistible rise of the (poorly analyzed) interview. Qualitative Research, 17(2), 144–158.
Course timetable
This course will take place in-person between Monday 30 June and Friday 4 July.
In this short video Dr Gail Hebson provides an introduction and overview to the course. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us at Methods@Manchester.ac.uk if you have further questions.
Course fee
- Full price: £900
- PGR/reduced rate: £600
As well as PGRs, reduced fees are also available to those working within the voluntary, charity and community sector. We also have two bursary options available for those entitled to reduced fees. Please view more information on our page here to find out your eligibility and how to apply.
This course is now unfortunately FULL. However if you would like to be notified if a place become available, or of future similar courses, please let us know here.
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