Introduction

Qualitative research constitutes one of the most important pillars in the social sciences and in the study of phenomena related to human behavior and experience. The motivation for conducting it usually stems from a concern or a research question that the researcher seeks to answer. The choice of methodology is of crucial importance and is determined both by the subject of the research and by the way in which the researcher wishes to approach the phenomenon. However, disagreements among experts regarding definitions and typologies of methods are not absent, and this becomes particularly evident in the case of interviews.

Research Methods

Research methods are generally divided into quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative methods focus on measuring and analyzing the frequency of a phenomenon, while qualitative methods aim at understanding the essence and character of it. Both approaches are useful and provide the researcher with different tools for approaching the research subject. In qualitative research, the objective is not numerical representation but in-depth comprehension of experience, perceptions and meanings.

Features of Qualitative Methods

Qualitative methods are characterized by a natural flow, authenticity and relative freedom. The researcher observes, collects comments, takes into account non-verbal elements, interprets and describes phenomena as they unfold. The process is open to personal interpretations, as the researcher’s subjectivity inevitably influences the research. In reality, the culture and background of the researcher are key factors shaping both the course and the outcomes of the study.

The Interview as a Method

The interview is considered a fundamental tool of qualitative research, as it represents a guided interaction between the researcher and the participant. Through it, aspects of personality, perceptions and attitudes are revealed, while at the same time a “mental content” is created that could not be captured otherwise. The interview is not a simple conversation but a targeted process of data collection. At the same time, the researcher must show sensitivity and listening skills, especially during the first few minutes, which are decisive for the quality of communication.

Types of Interviews

Interviews differ according to their degree of structure and their purpose. Structured interviews include predetermined questions with a specific number and content. Unstructured interviews follow a freer form, where the direction is given either by the nature of the discussion or by the researcher. They may be focused or not, depending on the extent to which the conversation is guided. Direct and indirect interviews are distinguished based on the researcher’s purpose and intention. Repeated or panel interviews are conducted with groups that share common characteristics and are repeated several times until sufficient data is collected. Finally, in-depth interviews include general questions that allow the respondent to play the leading role, while the researcher maintains a supportive and discreet presence.

Challenges of Interviews

Despite their advantages, interviews present certain difficulties. A major challenge is the possibility that the researcher may formulate hasty or inappropriate questions, leading to inaccurate answers. Furthermore, the researcher’s behavior can negatively influence the process and distance the participant from expressing themselves sincerely.

Characteristics of a Good Researcher

A successful researcher requires professionalism, solid knowledge of the subject and the ability to formulate questions properly. At the same time, cultivating a friendly and trusting atmosphere with the participant is essential. A skilled interviewer is receptive, pleasant, sensitive, and adapts their questions to the flow of interaction that develops.

Addressing Research Problems

The researcher must carefully manage the “sense of power” that their position provides. Findings should not be presented as absolute truths but as a stimulus for further study. At the same time, issues may arise related to chance, political dimensions or the need to disclose all aspects of a subject, which may lead to potential conflicts.

Ethics

Scientific ethics is a fundamental axis in qualitative research. Participants are not treated as “objects” but as persons with full integrity. The relationship between researcher and participant may even acquire a friendly or therapeutic character. The data collected are detailed and personal, which makes protecting anonymity particularly challenging. In addition, the research design is flexible and open to modifications, which requires the researcher to remain constantly alert to ethical dilemmas throughout the process.

Conclusion

The interview lies at the core of qualitative research, as it offers the possibility of direct communication and a deeper understanding of participants’ lived experiences. Despite difficulties such as participants’ hesitation or the researcher’s subjectivity, its value is undeniable. A qualitative interview is not a simple exchange of words but a methodological tool aimed at a deeper comprehension of human beings and social reality.