Talking with People: Doing Interviews

Why do we interview? And why should sociologists learn how to do it? In an increasingly complex world we need tools that can help us understand different perspectives. Qualitative interview methods can uncover people’s experiences and how they make sense of their lives. This subject gives students hands-on skills with these methods. This subject is both intellectual and practical in nature. We will engage in theoretical discussions about epistemology and the role of theory in analysing our data. But we will also learn about the practical steps of conducting sound, empirical research. The subject is structured around students' own, small-scale research projects. In groups, students go through the entire research process from formulating research questions through design, collecting and analysing data to writing up findings. The subject will also involve reflections on the practical and ethical challenges involved in doing empirical research. This provides tangible and transferable skills that are favoured by employers.