Research tips: One-to-one
Learn the techniques and etiquette of conducting in-depth interviews with advice from research expert Dr Tarja Moles
In-depth interviewing involves carrying out intensive one-to-one interviews in order to explore individuals’ views on specific matters, ideas or situations. They are useful in helping acquire more factual types of information that haven’t been published as well as gaining a firsthand perspective on individuals’ life stories and experiences.
Background research
Start by doing some background research as this will help you formulate more informed interview questions and prevent you from asking about things that have readily available answers. For instance, if you want to find out about someone’s experiences as a cult member, read about cults in general as well as about the particular cult that your interviewee was involved in.