A brief teaching note on in-depth interview as a research method

A brief teaching note on in-depth interview as a research method (information from perplexity.ai)

My question 1: "Briefly highlight the main ideas of in-depth interview in social science with reference to the following topics: (1) favored research philosophy, (2) favored research method design techniques, (3) favored research method design quality criteria, (4) favored data analysis techniques, and (5) favored researcher's impression management approach in conducting the in-depth interview."

The reply: "Here is a brief highlight of the main ideas of in-depth interviews in social science research with reference to the requested topics:

(1) Favored Research Philosophy:
In-depth interviews often align with a constructivist or interpretivist philosophy. Knowledge is seen as co-constructed between interviewer and interviewee rather than simply uncovered. The interviewer acts as a traveler journeying with the participant to create meaning from their stories rather than a miner extracting fixed factual data. This approach values the negotiation and interpretation of lived experiences.

(2) Favored Research Method Design Techniques:
In-depth interviews are typically semi-structured or unstructured, allowing flexibility to follow the participant's narrative. Questions are often open-ended, starting broad to build rapport and gradually becoming more specific to the research topic. Techniques like funnel structures and narrative prompts help uncover underlying motivations and deeper insights. Interviews are often conducted face-to-face but can also be done via phone or online.

(3) Favored Research Method Design Quality Criteria:
Quality criteria emphasize credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transparency. Ethical standards such as informed consent and confidentiality are crucial. Richness and depth of data, sensitivity to context, rigor in data collection, and researcher reflexivity are key for trustworthy results. Theoretical saturation is a goal, ensuring no new themes emerge from further data.

(4) Favored Data Analysis Techniques:
Thematic analysis is common to identify patterns and themes across interviews. Coding and categorizing responses organize complex narratives into meaningful concepts. Comparative analysis using research matrices may be applied. Iterative reading and coding of transcripts help develop clear insights supported by direct quotes from participants.

(5) Favored Researcher's Impression Management Approach:
Researchers are aware of impression management by participants, where interviewees may perform or present themselves in socially desirable ways. Minimizing this involves building rapport, using flexible settings (including telephone interviews which reduce visual cues), and focusing on tone and verbal cues. Researchers must carefully manage their own influence and remain ethical and sensitive throughout the interview.

This concise summary synthesizes key perspectives and guidelines on in-depth interviews in social science research across the specified thematic areas. "

My question 2: "Clarify your information for this discussion a bit more with reference to the following research project topics:

1. MBA-related: to investigate how corporate downsizing affects the morale of the middle managers in the Hong Kong retail sector in 2025".
2. Housing Studies-related: to investigate negative equity of residential property affects the quality of life of the middle class in Hong Kong in 2025".."

The reply: "Certainly, here’s a clarification of the in-depth interview approach tailored to the two specified research projects:

1. MBA-related project: Investigating how corporate downsizing affects morale of middle managers in Hong Kong retail sector in 2025

• Research Philosophy: A constructivist/interpretivist lens is ideal here, as the study seeks to understand the subjective experiences and meanings middle managers attach to downsizing effects on their morale. Knowledge is co-created through interview interactions capturing complex emotions and coping strategies.

• Method Design Techniques: Semi-structured in-depth interviews would allow middle managers to narrate their feelings and experiences in their own words, while enabling probing on sensitive subjects like job security and workplace culture changes post-downsizing.

• Quality Criteria: Credibility is crucial by building trust and ensuring confidentiality, minimizing social desirability bias. There should be reflexivity on how interviewer’s role might influence responses about a potentially stressful topic. Saturation would ensure all dimensions of morale impact are uncovered.

• Data Analysis: Thematic analysis would identify recurring psychological and organizational themes around morale, such as anxiety, motivation, trust in leadership, and support mechanisms. Coding would organize narratives into conceptual categories relevant to managerial morale.

• Researcher’s Impression Management: The interviewer must be sensitive, empathetic, and neutral to encourage honest disclosure without pressuring or leading answers. Using private or anonymous interviews could reduce impression management from interviewees worried about sharing negative views.

2. Housing Studies-related project: Investigating how negative equity of residential property affects quality of life among middle-class in Hong Kong in 2025

• Research Philosophy: Interpretivism suits exploring how individuals perceive and make meaning of financial and social strain caused by negative equity. It allows capturing diverse lived experiences of housing insecurity and its psychological effects.

• Method Design Techniques: Open-ended semi-structured interviews would help elicit rich personal stories about financial stress, lifestyle changes, mental health, and social relationships impacted by negative equity.

• Quality Criteria: Dependability and confirmability are vital, requiring transparent documentation of interview procedures amid potentially vulnerable participants. Informed consent and emotional safety protocols must be emphasized during data gathering.

• Data Analysis: Thematic and narrative analysis can uncover common and contrasting patterns of how negative equity impacts multiple domains of quality of life. Categorizing emotional, social, and economic effects would provide an in-depth understanding.

• Researcher’s Impression Management: Establishing rapport and trust is essential, as participants may downplay hardships to protect social image. Active listening, reassurance of confidentiality, and avoiding judgmental questions help minimize impression management or participant withdrawal.

This contextualized application of in-depth interview components shows how the methodology adapts to target the unique phenomena and populations in MBA and Housing Studies projects while ensuring research quality and ethical rigor."

A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.