Making Knowledge Claims from Qualitative Interviews: A Typology of Epistemological Modes

Abstract

Qualitative interviewing is the most common qualitative research method in management studies. However, researchers using this method tend to use a distinct ‘packages’ of practices, each of which is underpinned by a distinct onto-epistemological paradigm. In this paper, we contribute to the understanding of how paradigms influence research by examining how researchers make an ‘epistemological leap’ from their interview data to a claim to know something about a phenomenon outside of the interview situation. Using illustrative examples from published management research, we develop a typology of five epistemological modes that differ according to how far researchers ‘leap’ and what they ‘leap’ to when making knowledge claims from interview data. We conclude by outlining the implications of our typology for those involved in conducting, teaching and evaluating qualitative interview research.