LEARNING FROM STRANGERS : THE ART AND METHOD OF QUALITATIVE INTERVIEW STUDUIES

Rating:
Summary: Best introduction to qualitative interviewing
Review: Learning From Strangers is the best introduction to how to do qualitative interviewing that I know of, and it's one of two books that I assign in my course on qualitative research methods (the other is Corrine Glesne's Becoming Qualitative Researchers). It is very readable, but also deeply insightful and informed by Weiss's many years of interviewing. The most valuable part of the book, and one thing that sets it apart from most other books on qualitative interviewing, is that it includes lengthy excerpts from actual interview transcripts, with Weiss's detailed commentary on what worked well and what didn't. The book also has excellent advice on developing interview questions, selecting interviewees, analyzing interview data, and writing the final report.

Rating:
Summary: The ABC's for Beginners & Useful Reminders for Pros
Review: Probably the most valuable work I will read on the practical problems of designing and executing a qualitative interview study. It is usable as an outline and checklist for designing any study of this type. Weiss covers all the bases with a wealth of pertinent examples from his experience. He has managed to take a dry subject and create a readable, interesting piece.

Rating:
Summary: An engaging jewel
Review: Weiss's book mirrors the combination of seemingly unforced flow and attention to focus that are characteristic of good qualitative interviews. I appreciated that it tackled delicate questions of ethics, editing and developing analysis in a way that bolstered the reader's confidence in their ability to develop good judgment, while never minimizing the risks. The use of excerpts of transcripts showing exactly where interviewers' decisions had affected outcomes, and of specific examples throughout, made this book a compulsive "read" -- I wish that more authoratitive publications managed its grace and energy.

Rating:
Summary: An engaging jewel
Review: Weiss's book mirrors the combination of seemingly unforced flow and attention to focus that are characteristic of good qualitative interviews. I appreciated that it tackled delicate questions of ethics, editing and developing analysis in a way that bolstered the reader's confidence in their ability to develop good judgment, while never minimizing the risks. The use of excerpts of transcripts showing exactly where interviewers' decisions had affected outcomes, and of specific examples throughout, made this book a compulsive "read" -- I wish that more authoratitive publications managed its grace and energy.