Sample qualitative interviews

Sequential mixed methods procedures are those in which the researcher seeks to elaborate on or expand on the findings of one method with another method. This may involve beginrting with a qualitative interview for exploratory purposes and following up with a quantitative, survey method with a large sample so that the researcher can generalize results to a population. Alternatively, the study rrray begin with a quantitative method in which a theory or concept is tested, followed by a qualitative method involving detailed exploration with a few cases or individuals. 

Qualitative methodology uses small samples of subjects and the method of (usually) personal interviews, based on structured or more usually semi-structured questionnaires. The interviews are tape- or video-recorded and then transcribed and analyzed for patterns and categories in students thinking. Data treatment can also be done by commercial packages for qualitative analysis. This methodology provides the possibility for in-depth monitoring and study of students ideas and understandings about scientific concepts. One could think of written questionnaires as instant pictures, and of interviews as motion pictures. 

Baril and Berthelette (2000) analyze correlates of early return to work for a sample of Quebec workers compensation claims. Their qualitative analysis draws upon detailed interviews with 16 firms. Though no formal statistical analysis is drawn from these interviews, there appears to be a consensus among those interviewed that health and safety committees facilitate earlier returns to work, as does information sharing by management. However, the authors report that some types of worker involvement actually impeded returns to work returns... 

Analyses of interviews were conducted based on the principles of grounded methodology (Strauss and Corbin, 1998) and case study research (Yin, 1989 Stake, 1995). The paper reports from an explorative smdy with a mainly qualitative approach. We have first and foremost relied on in-depth studies, with relatively few cases and informants, rather than quantitative analyses of representative samples. It should also be noticed that we have substantive work experience with the two industries in question, to the level that we have been interacting with several of the interviewees on previous occasion. A conventional understanding is that the researcher should be neutral and distant from... 

A level II study gathers data that are not available in public records. The kinds of data depend on whether the study design is case control or cohort. A level II case-control study typically investigates pathways of exposure for the at-risk population. An investigation of exposure includes interviews with individuals in the at-risk population about their length of residence in the presumed impact area, dietary habits, workplace conditions, and places where children play. It may also include qualitative or semiquantitative modeling of the environmental fate and transport of chemicals of concern (Chapter 2). Samples of body fluids and tissues such as blood, urine, hair, or nails may be analyzed for evidence of exposure to bioaccumulative chemicals such as arsenic, mercury, or PCBs. An effort is made to identify and exclude possible confounding factors. Erin Brockovich and A Civil Action are examples of level II case-control studies. 

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