ABSTRACT
This chapter explores three different types of data collection methods in qualitative research, namely conducting interviews, making observations, and collecting relevant documents. Qualitative interviews are conversations between the interviewer and the interviewer. Qualitative interviews are intentional, with specific ways of inquiring, with reflexivity, among other things that are only improved with practice. There are many ways qualitative researchers use conversations as a way of understanding an experience. These ways include but are not limited to: formal semistructured interview; in-depth open-ended interview; informal open-ended interview; and natural conversations. Formal semistructured interviews involve the researcher preparing questions in advance with possible probes identified. In-depth open-ended interviews usually focus on digging deep into one’s experiences with a few key questions prepared in advance. Informal open-ended interviews usually involve the researcher and the participant having a casual conversation about the participant’s experiences in an informal manner. Natural conversations usually involve an equal exchange between the researcher and the participant.
