Twelve tips for conducting qualitative research interviews

Abstract

The qualitative research interview is an important data collection tool for a variety of methods used within the broad spectrum of medical education research. However, many medical teachers and life science researchers undergo a steep learning curve when they first encounter qualitative interviews, both in terms of new theory but also regarding new methods of inquiry and data collection. This article introduces the concept of qualitative research interviews for novice researchers within medical education, providing 12 tips for conducting qualitative research interviews.

Acknowledgments

We would hereby like to thank Dr Terese Stenfors, and members of SHERN (Swedish Higher Education Research Network) for input on earlier versions of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Cormac McGrath

Cormac McGrath, PhD, is a senior lecturer and academic developer at Stockholm University and Karolinska Institutet.

Per J. Palmgren

Per J. Palmgren, RC, MMedEd, PhD, is a lecturer in medical education and researcher in educational science at Karolinska Institutet.

Matilda Liljedahl

Matilda Liljedahl, MD, PhD, is a researcher in medical education at Karolinska Institutet and at the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg.