Depth Interviewing Skills

Overview

This online training course gives participants an understanding of, and experience in using, the skills and techniques involved in conducting qualitative interviews to a high standard. It is delivered via a combination of taught and practical sessions. The trainers all have extensive experience of conducting in-depth interviews for qualitative studies.

Topics covered

• The depth interview in social research.
• In-depth interviewing skills: active listening, open questioning and probing techniques.
• Designing and using a topic guide.
• Interviewer attributes.
• Managing the interview process.
• Considerations before the interview.
• Stages of the interview.
• Working with specific populations, dealing with sensitive or difficult topics and situations.
• Practical interviewing issues.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be:

• able to locate where the in-depth interview sits on the continuum of interview approaches.
• able to identify the key features and objectives of in-depth interviews.
• familiar with, and able to put into practice, the essential skills of in-depth interviewing: active listening; open questioning and probing.
• able to design and use a topic guide.
• able to explain the attributes which are required to fulfil the interviewer role.
• able to demonstrate awareness of, and competence in, different aspects of managing the interview process.
• experienced in conducting in-depth interviews through the practical sessions included in the course.

Target audience

This course requires some prior knowledge or experience of conducting qualitative research. 
You will find the course useful if:

• you are relatively new to qualitative research, or just starting to conduct in-depth interviews.
• have experience of doing qualitative interviews but lack training.
• you commission or manage qualitative research in central or local government, health or other applied sectors.

Cost

£695 per participant
To register your interest, email natcenlearning@natcen.ac.uk.