Qualitative research methods: interviewing as a way of learning and knowing

Abstract

This paper is based on the keynote talk that I gave on the EAHIL+ICAHIS+ICLC 2015 Workshop in Edinburgh. A starting point for the talk was the theme for the Workshop: “Research-minded: supporting, understanding, conducting research”. Some features of qualitative research are presented and a number of methods are mentioned before zooming in on interviewing, discussing some aspects of that method with examples from my own work. As a conclusion the importance of understanding the limitations of research both for researchers and those taking part of the results is emphasised.