Some theoretical and methodological issues to consider when using interviews for naturalistic research

The potential of interviews to provide valuable information for social researchers is widely acknowledged. Theories underpinning the naturalistic research paradigm, such as phenomenology, ethnomethodology, and symbolic interactionism can influence interview research. It is argued that the following issues need to be accounted for: subject/researcher reactivity, role relations, telling the truth, reporting, and researcher profiles. These factors are considered to have great potential to affect the quality of information collected and therefore receive detailed examination. A profile of effective interviewer characteristics is posed for ongoing refinement.