ABSTRACT

Interviews are chosen widely as a research method in educational research. This chapter focuses on how they can be used to examine the professional experiences of adults working in schools. It critically explores the benefits and limitations of different kinds of interviews: structured, semi-structured and unstructured, as well as focus groups. It also considers the choices which need to be made when developing an interview schedule, designing interview questions, conducting interviews and analysing the data. Ethical issues relating to the interview process are discussed, including professional tone, informed consent and having an ‘insider’ role in the setting being researched. The chapter draws throughout on examples from the author’s own study and ends with recommendations for early researchers wishing to use interviews in their own investigations.