A Critical Review of Qualitative Interviews

Abstract

This paper is a critical assessment of the merits and drawbacks of qualitative interviews as a research method. To do so, a brief review of literature regarding what we mean by interviews and different types of interviews are presented. Then, practical issues that researchers should put into account before conducting interviews is discussed. Afterwards, issues researchers should keep in mind when implementing interviews are provided. An illustration on how to analyse interviews is addressed. Following this, an evaluation of interviews as a common research method with its pros and cons are highlighted. Before concluding this paper, ethical issues that concern researchers and the use of interviews are delivered.

Keywords: Interviews, methodology, qualitative methods, social sciences