Theorizing Active Interviews and Skills: Preparing for a Large Interview Study on LGBT in STEM

• In Event: 1466 - Section on the Sociology of Sexualities Roundtables (1 hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: 2. Life Outcomes for LGBTQ people

Abstract

Literature on development of interview guides often leaves the evaluation phase rather ambiguous, citing the need for coding. In order to develop and evaluate an interview guide for a large scale (N=133-166) interview study on LGBT equality in STEM professions, the researcher conducted an extensive pilot study. While pilot interviews using the developed interview guide provided some preliminary answers to research questions on mechanisms of disadvantage and resistance, the process revealed some weaknesses in the interview method. Developing a series of “interview skill” codes revealed numerous instances where interviewer skills could be improved. Having members of the interview team code pilot interviews using “interview skill” codes helps real-time interviewers better probe for more information, maintain appropriate relationships with interview respondents, prevent inappropriate construction of the interview subject, and more clearly adhere to an “active interview” approach.

Author

• Tom J. Waidzunas, Temple University