Challenges Associated with Qualitative Interviews: Perspectives of Graduate Students
Abstract
Background: Qualitative interviews are a common method of data collection used in healthcare research to gain in-depth knowledge of people’s experiences from their own perspectives. While qualitative interviews provide an excellent mean to gain knowledge about a particular research topic, a few potential risks can emerge during their conduct.
Method: In this article, we present an in-depth exploration of three common risks associated with qualitative interviews from the perspective of nursing graduate students.
Results: Three common risks include: the risk of bias, risk of harm, and power imbalance. We also outline strategies recommended in the literature to prevent or minimize these risks.
Conclusion: Nurse researchers and particularly graduate students need to have a plan in place to timely prevent and address these risks. Nurse researchers are in a unique position to engage with research participants in a relation of equality and to recognize and honour their contributions to knowledge development.
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