Hi
I'm working on my doctoral dissertation using grounded theory. I intend to identify the factors contributing to the conflict between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law in Iran and faced a challenge. To formulate the interview questions, I don't know whether to use an in-depth interview or semi-structured interview. As far as I know, in an in-depth interview, questions are formulated based on a preliminary interview with participants and asking open-ended questions followed by probing and follow up questions. But, as I read in a practical and useful article by Kallio and her colleagues (2016): (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jan.13031) I must formulate the interview questions based on current literature.
In a study similar to my study :(https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/famp.12389) the interview appears to be done in the same way Kallio et al.(2016) described in their article. Is this kind of interview consistent and compatible with the spirit of a qualitative method? We know that in the grounded theory method, we deal with the problem with an open mind, not an empty mind. So, how much should the existing knowledge be involved in the formulation of questions?
I need your valuable guidance, and I will be grateful if you know a link or book that will help
thanks
First, interviewing in Grounded Theory is seldom based on the literature. Instead, a common practice is to start with a small number of very broad questions that you can explore and "probe" with your participants. Then, after you have done a few of these interviews, you can develop more detailed questions. In other words, the content of your interview will evolve as you learn more from your participants. Also, with GT you should be keeping notes and doing analysis through out this process.
Overall, being aware of the literature can be quite useful, but you should not let it control your process of exploring and understanding the participant's perspective on your topic.
First, interviewing in Grounded Theory is seldom based on the literature. Instead, a common practice is to start with a small number of very broad questions that you can explore and "probe" with your participants. Then, after you have done a few of these interviews, you can develop more detailed questions. In other words, the content of your interview will evolve as you learn more from your participants. Also, with GT you should be keeping notes and doing analysis through out this process.
Overall, being aware of the literature can be quite useful, but you should not let it control your process of exploring and understanding the participant's perspective on your topic.
The following chapter will help you:
Interviews: In-Depth, Semi-Structured
Chapter · December 2009
DOI: 10.1016/B978-008044910-4.00458-2
In book: International Encyclopedia of Human Geography, pp.580-584
Robyn Longhurst
Hello, I do agree with the above answers but do want to add that it is important to get your dissertation adviser's opinion on the best way to do grounded theory research. If the person is not easy to contact, take a look at what he/she has published in the past and that may give you a hint about what this person thinks is the best way to do the interviews.
My personal feeling is that semi-structured is very good if there are key issues you want to make sure get covered. For example, are you looking into how the husband/son fits into the problem or solution to disagreements? If so, having a specific question about that is helpful. If there aren't any specific areas of focus, then unstructured should be fine. Good luck! Dr. Sandie Nadelson
There is no reason why you can't use both in -epth and semi-structured depending on the actual questions and how much detail you need/want/focused on. I have participated in such projects where the principal investigator used in depth for the first part and in second part, a semi-stuctured type was used. Of course, the two are closely related and the latter may follow the first part.
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