How can you maintain objectivity and neutrality in in-depth interviews?

2 Prepare a structured or semi-structured interview guide

A structured or semi-structured interview guide can help you plan and organize your in-depth interviews and ensure consistency and comparability across different participants. A structured guide consists of a fixed set of questions that are asked in the same order and manner to every participant. A semi-structured guide allows for some flexibility and adaptation to the flow of the conversation, but still follows a general outline of topics and probes. A guide can help you avoid improvising or deviating from your research goals and questions, as well as keep track of the time and the coverage of the interview.

3 Establish rapport and trust with the participants

One of the key factors that can affect the quality and depth of the data collected from in-depth interviews is the rapport and trust between the researcher and the participant. Rapport is the degree of mutual understanding, respect, and empathy that exists between them, and trust is the confidence and willingness of the participant to share honest and accurate information. To establish rapport and trust, you need to introduce yourself and the purpose of the interview, explain the ethical and confidentiality aspects of the research, use appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication, listen actively and attentively, and show appreciation and gratitude for the participation.

4 Use probing techniques to elicit more information

Probing is a technique that involves asking follow-up questions or making comments that encourage the participant to elaborate, clarify, or explain their responses. Probing can help you obtain more detailed and nuanced data, as well as uncover hidden or latent meanings, emotions, or motivations. However, probing should be done with caution and care, as it can also introduce bias or influence if done improperly. To use probing effectively, you need to avoid interrupting or cutting off the participant, use neutral and open-ended probes, avoid repeating or paraphrasing the participant's words, and avoid expressing agreement or disagreement with the participant's views.

5 Record and transcribe the interviews accurately

Recording and transcribing the interviews is an essential step in ensuring objectivity and neutrality in in-depth interviews. Recording allows you to capture the full and exact content of the interview, as well as the tone, pace, and emotion of the speech. Transcribing converts the audio recording into a written text that can be analyzed and interpreted. To record and transcribe the interviews accurately, you need to use a reliable and high-quality device, obtain the consent of the participant, test the sound quality and the battery life, label and store the files securely, and use a consistent and clear format and notation for the transcription.

6 Analyze and interpret the data objectively

The final step in ensuring objectivity and neutrality in in-depth interviews is to analyze and interpret the data objectively. This means using a systematic and rigorous method to identify, code, and categorize the themes, patterns, and relationships that emerge from the data, as well as to draw conclusions and implications that are supported by evidence. To analyze and interpret the data objectively, you need to avoid imposing your own assumptions, expectations, or preferences on the data, use multiple sources and perspectives to triangulate and validate the findings, acknowledge and address any limitations or biases that may affect the research, and report the results honestly and transparently.