When commencing to plan a study, researchers face the oftentimes challenging
task to decide on the adequate research method for their investigation problem
at hand. Since the appropriateness of a study, as well as its ability to be
accepted as scientific research, depend very much on the correct choice of the
applied research method(s), the decision process for the latter constitutes a
crucial phase of the overall research operation.
As many researchers encounter ambiguities when it comes to selecting the
suitable research technique, this paper provides a critical reflection on several
arguments for and against the employment of in-depth interviews, one of the
most common tools used in qualitative research.
The aim of this paper is, therefore, to consider the strengths and weaknesses of
in-depth interviews from various angles, in order to advance the perspicuity of
the question in which situations it is apt to use interviews as a research tool and
when to better search for alternative methods.
To arrive at this objective, four main issues have been explored through a
review of already existing literature. First, the merits of individual in-depth
interviews are examined. Then the paper addresses the question of what
possible drawbacks one may come across when selecting in-depth interviewing
as a research method. Furthermore, a short comment on the application of indepth
interviews in qualitative tourism research is given. Finally, in the
conclusions/recommendations section it is explained for which types of
investigations the in-depth interview is the appropriate research technique.
As indicated above, the main focus of this paper is not on providing a guide for
the general set-up and implication process of an in-depth interview. The main
spotlight is rather on the enhancement of the detailed knowledge of researchers
on in-depth interviews, with the ultimate goal to make a contribution to increase
the number of cases where research methods have been appropriately chosen.
Hence, a certain level of previous knowledge about in-depth interviewing is
expected from the reader in order to be able to follow the content of this paper.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Introduction
2 The benefits of individual in-depth interviews
2.1 General aspects
2.2 The depth of data and the focus on perceptions
2.3 Individuality of in-depth interviews
2.4 Involvement of the researcher
3 Possible drawbacks of in-depth interviewing
3.1 Costs and time
3.2 Interviewer bias and interpretation
3.3 Simplification of complexity through themes
3.4 Limitation of cases and lack of interaction with peers
4 Excursion: The application of in-depth interviews in tourism research
5 Conclusions / Recommendations: When to use or avoid in-depth
interviews
Reference List
Bibliography
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main benefits of in-depth interviews?
They provide high data depth, a strong focus on individual perceptions, and allow the researcher to involve themselves more deeply in the subject's individuality.
What are the common drawbacks of using interviews as a research method?
Drawbacks include high costs and time consumption, potential interviewer bias, and the limitation of the number of cases that can be studied.
When is an in-depth interview the appropriate research technique?
It is appropriate for investigations that require detailed knowledge of perceptions and complex social phenomena where quantitative methods might oversimplify the data.
How are in-depth interviews applied in tourism research?
In tourism research, they are used to understand travelers' motivations, experiences, and subjective perceptions that cannot be captured by simple surveys.
What is "interviewer bias"?
It refers to the risk that the researcher's own opinions or behavior might influence the interviewee's responses or lead to a subjective interpretation of the data.
- Quote paper
- MSc, MA Manuel Kaar (Author), 2007, A critical investigation of the merits and drawbacks of in-depth interviews, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/186661
