1. Devise a research question based on the topic of exploration e.g. ‘Why do people choose to go to university?’ (You can use this topic/wording if you like or come up with different wording based on your chosen topic). Choose a theoretical framework that you think can help us to understand students’ choices. This could be an identity-based theory, a structural theory (e.g. class, gender, etc.) or a discourse-based model (e.g. governmentality). Construct a research question that will link the theory and the topic.
2. Reflecting on the research question you are considering think about what form the interview should take – structured, semi-structured, unstructured, narrative? You should evidence your choice of method with references.
3. Write the interview question/s (this will depend on the type of interview you are carrying out).
4. Identify your research participant and tell them what this exercise entails. Consider any ethical implications that may attend to the research process. A key aspect of ethics is that you should not bring harm to your participants through carrying out the research so do not carry out an interview with someone who is vulnerable to such harm, including distress. Remember also that you should not discuss aspects of your participant’s life that are not required to enable you to answer your research question. Remember that you should maintain confidentiality and anonymity and therefore the participant should not be named in your report. You have two sessions on ethics and are required to attend both in order to carry out this interview.
5. Carry out the interview. Make sure you have an appropriate recording device. You should ask your participant to complete a consent form but do not include this in your submission with the name
School of Applied Social Science | SS530 Handbook 15
visible – the participant must remain anonymous. Take notes as you listen to the responses; your thoughts about what is being said, how it is being said and what your role in the interview process is are important.
6. Transcribe the interview. You are not doing conversation analysis, so you only need to transcribe all of the words.
7. Carry out a thematic analysis of the interview.