Working with Interpreters in Qualitative Psychological Research: Methodological and Ethical Issues

Abstract

Clinical psychology aims to address the needs of diverse populations, including those from minority ethnic backgrounds. Arguably, one obstacle to developing appropriate psychological services to minority ethnic people is the lack of relevant qualitative research with people who do not speak English. In particular, there is little exploration around working with professional interpreters during the research. This article explores some methodological and ethical issues arising in psychological research with interpreters, using one study (Vara 2003) as an illustration. This study was conducted in collaboration with a refugee community organisation from which Rwandan refugee people were recruited to participate in qualitative interviews with a Kinyarwandan-speaking interpreter. Some methodological and ethical issues arising in qualitative research with interpreters and implications for psychological service provision are discussed.

Keywords:

• clinical psychology
• discourse analysis
• interpreters
• qualitative research
• refugee people