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WiSe 20/21: Formalised curiosity: Foundations of Qualitative Interviewing

Emilija Gagrcin/ Nadja Schaetz

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Talking to people by the means of qualitative interviewing is an important method for research into political communication. Interviews can help us understand why people think and behave in the ways that they do, and illuminate the broader context in which people use and act through and upon media for political purposes. In this course, students will familiarize themselves with the basics of designing and conducting interviews with different actors through a series of practical individual and group exercises and assigned readings. We will critically engage with the role of values and positionality of the researcher in the research process. Given the pandemic, we will pay special attention to challenges, opportunities and techniques of online interviewing. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to use and design interviews for a research project and conduct them according to scientific criteria. Moreover, students will be able to identify, discuss and deal with limitations, in order to construct and argue for a methodological approach that is suitable for their own research aims. The course is primarily aimed at people with little or no previous knowledge who want to use qualitative interviews. People with previous experience can systematize and deepen their knowledge. The course will not deal with data analysis. close