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The Unstructured Interactive Interview

Issues of Reciprocity and Risks when Dealing with Sensitive Topics

Bibliographic Data

ID2384881
AuthorsJuliet Corbin (University of Alberta), Janice M Morse (0000-0002-9017-1940, University of Alberta)
Year2003
Volume9
Issue3
Pages335-354
Publication date2003-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueQualitative Inquiry (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1077-8004 • E-ISSN: 1552-7565
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1077800403009003001
OpenAlexW2121752622
LanguageEN
Citations received236
References cited31

Qualitative research using unstructured interviews is frequently reviewed by institutional review boards using criteria developed for biomedical research. Unlike biomedical studies, unstructured interactive interviews provide participants considerable control over the interview process, thereby creating a different risk profile. This article examines the interview process and literature for evidence of benefit and harm. Although there is evidence that qualitative interviews may cause some emotional distress, there is no indication that this distress is any greater than in everyday life or that it requires follow-up counseling, although the authors acknowledge distress is always a possibility. Essential to preventing participant distress is the researcher's interviewing skills and a code of ethics. When research is conducted with sensitivity and guided by ethics, it becomes a process with benefits to both participants and researchers. The authors conclude that qualitative research using unstructured interviews poses no greater risk than everyday life and expedited reviews are sufficient

Distress · Epistemology · Everyday life · Harm · Interview · Psychiatry · Psychotherapist · Qualitative research · Research ethics · Social science · Sociology · Applied Psychology · Empathy and Medical Education · Mental Health and Patient Involvement · Psychology · Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics · Social Psychology

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Unique citing works236
Citations per year10,26
Citation span2003 - 2026 (24)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedYes
Citation typesNeutral: 232
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