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The Relational Approach to Interviewing for Qualitative Inquiry: Essential Guide for Researchers

Mason Powell

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In the realm of qualitative research, interviewing plays a pivotal role in gathering rich and in-depth data. The Relational Approach to Interviewing offers a groundbreaking perspective, shifting the focus from mere information gathering to establishing genuine connections and fostering a collaborative research process. This article delves into the principles, techniques, and benefits of this innovative approach, providing researchers with an essential guide to conducting insightful qualitative interviews.

Interviewing for Qualitative Inquiry: A Relational Approach

by Ruthellen Josselson

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	226 pages

Principles of the Relational Approach

Building Trust and Rapport: Establishing a genuine connection with participants is paramount, fostering an environment of trust and openness that encourages them to share their experiences and perspectives.
Collaborative Inquiry: Interviews become a collaborative process, where both the researcher and participant engage in a meaningful exchange of ideas, experiences, and interpretations.
Sensitivity and Respect: Researchers approach interviews with sensitivity and respect, recognizing the power dynamics involved and the impact their presence can have on participants.
Empowering Participants: Participants are actively involved in shaping the research process, ensuring their voices and perspectives are valued and respected.

Techniques for Relational Interviewing

Active Listening: Researchers engage in attentive and empathetic listening, demonstrating genuine interest in participants' narratives and experiences.
Open-Ended Questions: Questions are designed to elicit rich and detailed responses, prompting participants to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in their own words.
Reflective Prompts: Researchers use reflective prompts to encourage participants to elaborate on their responses, deepen their insights, and explore different perspectives.
Flexible Interviewing: Interviews are adapted to the needs and preferences of participants, allowing for flexibility in timing, location, and structure.

Benefits of the Relational Approach

Rich and Meaningful Data: The Relational Approach encourages participants to share their experiences and perspectives in a holistic and authentic way, resulting in richer and more meaningful data.
Increased Participant Engagement: By fostering genuine connections and empowering participants, the Relational Approach enhances their engagement and willingness to participate in the research process.
Ethical and Respectful Research: Sensitivity and respect are embedded in the Relational Approach, ensuring that interviews are conducted ethically and respectfully, valuing the experiences and perspectives of participants.
Transformative Research Findings: The Relational Approach opens doors to transformative research findings that are grounded in the lived experiences and perspectives of participants, leading to a deeper understanding of research topics.

The Relational Approach to Interviewing for Qualitative Inquiry is a powerful and innovative method that revolutionizes the way researchers conduct qualitative interviews. By embracing the principles of trust, collaboration, sensitivity, and empowerment, researchers can foster genuine connections with participants and elicit rich and meaningful data. This approach empowers participants, ensures ethical and respectful research practices, and ultimately leads to transformative research findings that deepen our understanding of the human experience.

Interviewing for Qualitative Inquiry: A Relational Approach

by Ruthellen Josselson

4.6 out of 5