Course Overview
This in-person course introduces a critical but friendly introduction 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’. 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.
It was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on both theoretical and practical aspects of interviewing (attendee, 2025).
Further course details Philosophical debates in qualitative research will be introduced, and participants will be encouraged to position their own approach to interview data in relation to these throughout the course. There will also be a focus on some of the practical tools needed to carry out interview research, including how to design and select appropriate interview samples, writing different types of interview questions and how to establish particular types of interview relationships. This will be followed by a focus on interview data analysis, where characteristics of grounded theory analysis and thematic analysis will be explored. Participants will be given the opportunity to put their new knowledge and skills into practice by carrying out interviews with peers and analysing interview transcripts using the techniques introduced in the course. Ultimately the course will help participants develop more confidence in both doing interviews and in the explanations and theories they generate from their interview-based research.
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 (attendee, 2025).
Taster Session
On 26 March 12-1pm we will hold an online taster session. Join Dr Gail Hebson who will introduce some of the topics and activities planned the summer school. There will also be chance to talk to Gail and ask questions so that you can get a sense of whether this summer school is the right fit for you.
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. She is currently Honorary Senior Lecturer within the Work and Equalities Institute (WEI). She has published extensively with WEI members Professor Jill Rubery and Dr Eva Herman on precarious employment and social care work, using qualitative research methods. She has also worked as a research associate at the University of Sussex as part of the ESRC Digital Futures Research Centre (Digit) where she has contributed to research and reports on flexible working in the NHS (Russel and Hebson, 2025). 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 (please see here for her publications).
Course Objectives
During 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 the relevance and suitability of different types of qualitative interview sampling designs in relation to their own research
- Differentiate between different types of interviews and their suitability for different participants and contexts including group interviews and online 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
Is there 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.
Who should attend?
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.
Course Timetable
This course will take place in-person Monday 6 July - Friday 10 July
1:30 - 5:00pm Monday
Introduction to Qualitative Interviews: what is your ‘why’ for using interviews?
9:00 - 12:30pm Tuesday
Philosophical debates in interviews: why do they matter for the practice of interviewing
1:30 - 5:00pm Tuesday
Designing and selecting interview samples: purposive and theoretical sampling
9:00 - 12:30pm Wednesday
Doing Interviews: Skills and techniques for asking questions in different types of interviews
1:30 - 5:00pm Wednesday
Doing Interviews: what is a ‘good’ interviewer - interviewee relationship and how can you establish it?
9:00 - 12:30pm Thursday
Introduction to Analysing Interviews; back to basics with Grounded Theory
1:30 - 5:00pm Thursday
Introduction to Analysing Interviews: Thematic analysis in theory and practice
9:00 - 12:30pm Friday
Overview: being confident and reflective about your interviewing and interview data
What's included in the course?
Each full day includes a vegan buffet lunch served 12.30-1.30pm. There are morning and afternoon refreshment breaks with tea, coffee, water, and pastries/cakes.
The course includes a social programme - these are optional but free social events for everyone attending our summer school to meet attendees from other courses in a relaxed environment.
Accommodation and travel are not included in the course price. You will need to arrange any accommodation and travel separately.
Cost
- Full price: £900
- PGR/Reduced Rate: £600
As well as PGRs, reduced fees are 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 main Summer School website to find out more and how to apply.
Book Your Place
Please purchase via our online store below before 15 June (payment by card only). If you any questions, or will have trouble purchasing by this date please get in touch with methods@manchester.ac.uk.
Any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on methods@manchester.ac.uk
Credits:
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