The qualitative interview has become one of the most frequently used qualitative research method to make sense of our lives, and an invaluable tool for the qualitative researcher. This two-day course provides coverage of both the theoretical background and the practical aspects of the interview process.  The course incorporates discussions on the variety for the means of data generation and the different ways of conceiving the analytic status of interview data.  

The course helps students to:
- recognize different approaches to reading the data
- notice the crucial issue of ensuring scientific and analytic rigour
- find relevant literature on theoretical and analytical aspects on interviews
- to discuss the validity and ethics of interview research

Classroom: Ls B4113 (Pinni building)

Thu 23.5.2013

10.15-12.00    Introduction to the course themes and to the ongoing research projects of the participants
12.00-13.00    Lunch
13.00-14.00    The variety of data generation and epistemological stances to interview data
14.00-16.00    Crossing that hurdle: From data generation to analysis

Fri 24.5.2013

10.15-12.00    Analytic styles and tools: examples on empirical analysis of interview data
12.00-13.00    Lunch
13.00-16.00    Discussion on the questions and issues raised in students’ pre-assignments
If necessary breaking into two groups chaired by prof. Ryen (in English) and prof. Nikander (in Finnish).

The course consists of active participation to both days and of a pre-assignment. The students are selected on first-come, first-served principle. The student has to check the selection from NettiOpsu after the enrolment period. Selected students pre-assignments are sent to Moodle (deadline Mon. 6.5.2013) and should include the following:

1.    Your name and disciplinary background
2.    Your topic of research, the stage you are currently in (collecting data, analyzing interviews + potentially data gathered by other means), your analytic tools (how do I approach my interview data).
3.    What you find most challenging when working with your data?
4.    What you expect to learn and discuss during the course.

Anne Ryen is Associate Professor of Sociology at Agder University, Norway, former president of the Research Network Qualitative Methods in the European Sociological Association and member of the Scientific Committee of RC33 Logic and Methodology in the International Sociological Association. She has been doing research in East-Africa for more than 15 years, and her focus is at fringe benefits in private business, ethnic economy and welfare.

Pirjo Nikander is professor of the University of Tampere Doctoral School.