Online Interviews about Sensitive Topics
by Janet Salmons
Methodspace Research Community Manager and author of Doing Qualitative Research Online.
Travelers journey with participants
When I read the excellent work of Kvale and Brinkman (2015) I was intrigued by their metaphors for the interviewer as miner or traveler. They suggested that the interviewer-as-miner views knowledge as buried treasure, and their task as one of digging and unearthing to collect nuggets of data. They suggested that the interviewer-as-traveler views knowledge as constructed through journeys with people, observing places along the way. “The potentialities of meanings in the original stories are differentiated and unfolded through the traveler’s interpretations of the narratives” they bring home (p. 58.) I could see the value of “mining” for demographic information or specific details, or for mining the literature. I could also see the value of traveling with participants on an in-depth interview research journey. But why would the participant be willing to get into the car? Would they trust the researcher enough to join in? I
Miners dig for answers.
Gardeners plant the seed, and cultivate relationships.
I saw the need for another metaphor for researchers doing interviews online: the gardener. The interviewer-as-gardener cultivates the participant relationship. They plant seeds, carefully tend seedlings, and accept that some seeds will not grow. The interviewer-as-gardener realizes that careful nurturing is needed when they plan to embark on a journey that might be painful for participants. An interviewer-as-traveler might keep a packed bag ready to go in an instant. The interviewer-as-gardener realizes it will take time. They know that regardless of the careful watering and sunshine, the seed needs time to sprout.
Build Credibility.
The interviewer-as-gardener uses every interaction as an opportunity to build trust and rapport. They welcome the “informed” part of the informed consent process, and anticipate concerns the participant might have, such as:
Are you really a researcher or is this a scam?
Why should I trust you with my story?
Why should I trust you with private information - my identity?
Why should I trust that you will be respectful of experiences I might not have shared publicly?
What will happen to the notes, recordings, images that you collect? Who will see them?
Where will findings be published or presented?
Depending on the nature of the study and participants, answers can be laid out in a simple one-page document, blog, or website. Introduce yourself in a friendly way and explain the study in plain language. Emphasize ways you hope your research will be used to improve policies, practices, or attitudes. Link back to your institution, publications, or anything else that verifies your research bonifides. If your participants aren’t like to read this information, consider recording a short video or create a visual infographic. Keep in mind that just as you can search online to learn more about participants, they can search for you! Update your profiles and as possible, clean up any potentially embarrassing posts or images.
Plan for Multiple Interactions.
Some research designs aim for one in-depth interview with participants. However, when we are dealing with sensitive issues this mining-orientation is not likely to succeed. This is where we need to think like a gardener. There are a number of ways to approach this kind of study that make use of communications available online. For example:
Schedule several shorter interviews, and scaffold your questions so that you can establish background and context before delving into sensitive topics.
Use asynchronous tools before and after a synchronous interview. Have an email or text messaging exchange to get acquainted and reassure participant prior to the interview and to follow-up after the interview.
Clarify expectations. If you are using videoconferencing, let the participant know whether it is acceptable to turn the camera off, or use virtual backgrounds. If they are unfamiliar with the platform or tool, arrange a trial run before the interview. Again, use every interaction to build rapport and trust.
Encourage the participant to find a space where they feel comfortable and safe to connect with the interview.
Use a multi-methods approach, that is, more than one qualitative method. Use arts-based, creative, narrative, or diary methods that allow participants to share experiences in different ways.
Practice!
The approach you think is perfect might not be as well-received as you would anticipate. Find a friend, colleague, or fellow researcher who is willing to be candid with you. Try out the online communication and online interview techniques so you can get some feedback about what it feels like on the other side of the screen. Make sure you are completely at ease with whatever tools you plan to use.
Learn More.
Find what you need to design, plan, and conduct qualitative research with Doing Qualitative Research Online! The new edition is available now. Use the discount code MSPACEQ122 when ordering from SAGE.
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