In-Depth Interviews

Abstract

In-depth interviewing has become a popular data collection method in qualitative research in health professions education. Interviews can be unstructured, highly structured or semi-structured, the latter being most common. A well-crafted semi-structured interview guide includes predetermined questions while allowing flexibility to explore emergent topics based on the research question. In order to collect rich interview data, researchers must attend to key elements before, during, and after the interview. The qualitative methodology used impacts key aspects, including: who performs the interview, who participates in the interview, what is included in the interview guide, where the interview takes place, and how data will be captured, transcribed, and analyzed.