The Qualitative Interview: Art and Skill

The qualitative interview resembles a good conversation. What makes somebody a good discussion partner? That he listens attentively, thinks along, empathizes with what has just been said and does not interrupt. In short, someone who is empathetic and interested. Is such a person a good interviewer by nature? No, as these characteristics form only the basis for a part of the Art referred to in the title of this book. However, the interviewer also needs additional knowledge and Skills that are discussed extensively in this book. An interview should fi rst of all have a well defi ned information goal. And only when the Skills of the good discussion partner mentioned above merge with the researcher's knowledge, do we observe the Art of interviewing referred to in the title of this book. This book was written for those who are professionally involved in doing qualitative interviews or is learning how to conduct these interviews.

Jeanine Evers studied cultural anthropology at Leiden University (1990) and public administration at Erasmus University Rotterdam (2001). She runs her own company, Evers Research & Training, where she trains and coaches researchers and PhD students in the fi eld of qualitative research methods. In addition, she works as a lecturer of qualitative research methods at the Erasmus University and is a board member of the KWALON platform for Qualitative Research Methods in The Netherlands.

Fijgje de Boer studied social psychology at VU University Amsterdam (1981) and obtained her doctoral degree on gender differences in interpreting patients' problems in mental health care institutions. She works as a lecturer of qualitative research methods at the VU University Amsterdam. Additionally, she is a board member of the KWALON platform for Qualitative Research Methods in The Netherlands and editor of its magazine.