The use of telephone interviews in qualitative psychology research: A reflective methodological exercise
Journal
Qualitative Methods in Psychology Bulletin
Date Issued
2014
Author(s)
Abstract
There is little evidence on how telephone interviews are used in qualitative psychological research compared to
face-to-face interviews. This reflective methodological exercise explores the use of telephone interviews as a method in relation to interviewing prostate cancer patients about their dietary changes in a recent study. In conclusion, both methods of collecting data are qualitatively different and can offer a range of advantages. The decision must be based on the aims of the study, the population studied, the interviewer’s experience and the decisive balance between cost-effectiveness and wider demographics on the one hand and richer data on the other.
face-to-face interviews. This reflective methodological exercise explores the use of telephone interviews as a method in relation to interviewing prostate cancer patients about their dietary changes in a recent study. In conclusion, both methods of collecting data are qualitatively different and can offer a range of advantages. The decision must be based on the aims of the study, the population studied, the interviewer’s experience and the decisive balance between cost-effectiveness and wider demographics on the one hand and richer data on the other.