What is Qualitative Interviewing?

Rosalind Edwards is Professor of Sociology at the University of Southampton, UK, and a co-director of the ESRC National Centre for Research Methods. She is founding and co-editor of the International Journal of Social Research Methodology and currently sits on the Economic and Social Research Council’s Methods and Infrastructure Committee. Janet Holland is Professor of Social Research at London South Bank University, UK. She was co-director (with Bren Neale) of the Timescapes Initiative (2007 to 2012) a unique qualitative longitudinal research study involving nine research projects and five UK universities. She is an elected member of the Academy of Social Sciences.

• What do the Key Terms Used about Qualitative Interviews Mean?How Have Qualitative Interviews Developed?What Forms can Qualitative Interviews Take?Where can Qualitative Interviews Take Place?What Sort of Research Tools can be Used in Conducting Qualitative Interviews?What are the Practicalities Involved in Conducting Qualitative Interviews?What are the Strengths and Challenges in Using Qualitative Interviews?What Criticisms Have Been Made of Qualitative Interviews, and Where Next for Qualitative Interviewing?

Professors Rosalind Edwards and Janet Holland provide an easily digestible introductory text for newcomers to the qualitative aspects of social research. Research can be daunting for beginners who are keen to engage in the interview process as a key method. What is Qualitative Interviewing? will no doubt provide the confidence for students to consider best practice when interviewing their participants ... A most definite must read for those plunging into their very first qualitative interviews.