Learning Qualitative Research: Mentors, Missteps, and 'Messy' Magic

Someone should have told me to forget everything I thought I knew. Over the past 4 months at IPS Social Lab under the brilliant mentorship of Shane Pereira , I've learned so much about doing research!

1. Embracing Mess?

Yuh Xin

Fresh out of the classroom, I was eager to put the theories I learnt into practice – active listening, open-ended questioning, rapport-building, power dynamics……but, my first interview quickly revealed the wide chasm between the tidy, controlled world of PowerPoint slides and the messy reality of fieldwork.

My first interviews were not pretty at all. I struggled to steer the conversation back on track amidst my participant's rambling tangents, and I found myself frantically racking my brain to respond with generative follow-up questions. With each passing minute, I could feel my confidence slipping away.

Upon reflection, I realised that the key to good qualitative fieldwork was never about striving for some unattainable ideal of a ‘perfect interview’. Rather, it was about cultivating the skills and intuition to adapt to each unique interaction, to respond with care to the unpredictability of human conversation. It was about being fully present and attuned to the participant, conscious about the power dynamic between us, all while forefronting the research goals and my theoretical training. Bridging the gap between theory and practice in qualitative interviewing is a continuous learning process that demands time, vigilance, humility, and reflexivity.

Ultimately, I’ve also come to recognise that an interview is and will always be messy - the whole point of qualitative research is to embrace and reflect the messiness of our social world! As a researcher-in-training, I am committed to leaning into the discomfort of ‘imperfect’ interviews, of messy encounters, of the richness and nuances of qualitative interviews.

Shane

Your reflection on the messy reality of fieldwork versus the “clean” theories we learn in class is spot on. I remember my first interview vividly – it was like trying to catch a fish with my bare hands. Slippery, unpredictable, and a bit of a disaster! But you nailed it when you said that the key is adapting to each unique interaction. The magic often lies in the mess, and you’ve captured that beautifully.

To quote a line from my thesis: “As Annette Lareau points out: “Research is, like everything else - inherently social” (Lareau, 1996:226-7). Ethnography relies, among other things, on the researcher’s ability to immerse into a culture and understand its rules, meanings, and practices from the perspective of their subjects by forming relationships and participating in socio-cultural activities. As such, this process is unavoidably “messy”.”

2. Timekeeping and Humanity

Yuh Xin

One time, I got so engrossed in a participant's stories that before I knew it, we had been talking for an hour and I still had half of my questions left to ask. Not only was this disrespectful of my participant's time, but it also left me disorientated as I tried to rush through my remaining questions.

Instead of relying on my phone, I started wearing a watch to every interview. To make the practice of timekeeping even more discreet, I wore the face of my watch on the inside of my writing hand’s wrist, looking at the time whenever I made a note on my interview guide.?

But timekeeping isn't just about ending on time – it's also about pacing the conversation and giving each question and response the attention it deserves. I've found it helpful to have a rough timeline in mind for each section of the interview, while still allowing for flexibility and organic flow. If a participant is sharing a particularly compelling story or insight, I'll make a note to come back to it later rather than cutting them off abruptly. This allows me to fully immerse myself in the moment, to listen deeply and attentively without the pressure of rushing to the next question.

At the same time, skilful timekeeping also helps me to demonstrate a genuine interest in their experiences and perspectives. By allowing participants the time and space to share their stories at a pace comfortable to them, I found that I was able to create a more collaborative and empowering dynamic. I could, by timekeeping skillfully, signal that I value what they value, and that I am interested in what they are interested to share. In this way, the act of pacing and structuring the interview becomes not just a technical skill, but a deeply humanising one too!

Shane

Ah, the watch trick! It’s amazing how such a small thing can make such a huge difference. I still remember losing track of time in one of my early interviews – my participant was so engrossing, and I was so caught up in their story that I ended up scrambling through the last questions. Your method of discreetly checking the time is genius. It’s these practical tips, born from experience, that make such a difference in fieldwork. And you're absolutely right, pacing isn’t just about managing time, it’s about honouring the participant’s story and creating a space where they feel valued and heard. Scribbling on your interview guide and using a new one for each interview also helps you keep track and highlight important points you might want to revisit during the session as well.

The thing about watches is our instinctive need to look at them every so often, which could also be construed as “rude” or “impatient” when conducting an interview. One way to work around it is to pre-empt any misunderstanding by clearly stating at the beginning of the interview as part of the pre-interview process. One of my colleagues, Samantha, taught me a valuable lesson in this regard. Simply saying something like this could go a long way: “Throughout the interview, you may see me looking at my watch quite often, but don’t worry! It’s not because I have somewhere else to be, but it’s for checking the time so that we can keep on track and not unnecessarily waste your time.” Another thing that could help is being more aware of how often you check your watch; this is something you will instinctively pick up the more interviews you do.

3. The Medium is the Message: "We" vs "You"

Yuh Xin

The constant balance between the need for rich, authentic data with the need to create a safe, comfortable space for our participants has been a great challenge for me. One of the best tools I found is the simple framing: "we" instead of “you”.

I initially thought interviewing was all about crafting the perfect questions - ones that were clear, concise, understandable and incisive. But, I quickly realised that the way I phrased those questions was just as important as the content itself.?Think about it - when you're sitting across from a stranger, asked to share your deepest thoughts, feelings, and experiences, it can be intimidating. You might feel like you're under a microscope, like every word you say is being judged and analysed.

That's where the power of "we" comes in. It's a way of saying, "We're in this together. I'm not just here to extract information from you - I'm here to understand, to empathise, to be with you in this exploration."

I make it clear that I'm not just gathering data - I'm inviting the participant into a collaborative process of meaning-making. When a participant expresses that they’re “not sure”, I respond by asking, "Would you like to think through it with me?”. When the interview guide demands a participant to generate ideas no layperson usually thinks about, I lead with, “Let’s think about / let’s brainstorm …”.I'm acknowledging that their perspective is valuable, that their insights are crucial to our shared understanding. And in doing so, I'm helping to create a space where they feel heard and seen.

Here's the catch - using "we" isn't always appropriate or authentic. I had to be mindful of the power dynamics at play, of the ways in which our social identities and experiences might differ from those of our participants. I am careful not to overstep, not to presume a false sense of unity or shared experience where none exists.?This is where the art of attunement comes in - the ability to read the subtle cues and signals of our participants, to adapt language and approach to meet participants where they are. The key, I've found, is to use "we" judiciously and authentically - to let it flow from a place of genuine curiosity and belief in the collaborative nature of interviews.?

Shane

Your insight into using “we” instead of “you” is brilliant. It’s a subtle shift, but it can transform the dynamic of an interview. Inviting participants into a collaborative process means you’re not just gathering data but co-creating knowledge. It’s a powerful way to build rapport and show that their experiences and insights are valued. But I love your awareness of the balance needed – recognising when “we” is appropriate and when it might overstep. That attunement is the mark of a truly thoughtful researcher.

4. Mentorship and Growth

Throughout my journey as a novice researcher, I've been incredibly fortunate to have Shane as my mentor! Shane is such a seasoned qualitative researcher with extensive experience conducting interviews, ethnographies, and mentoring students. His guidance, support, and of course, boomer humour (I mean it in the best way possible) have been so key to helping me grow as a researcher-in-training.

From the very beginning, Shane has been central to my training. A wellspring of wisdom and practical advice, he has trained me to think through every aspect of interviews - from offering insights on how to phrase questions in a way that invites depth, teaching me to always be early and always have a backup plan,to streamlining the process of administrative tasks before interview…..Whatever comes up in the inevitable chaos of qualitative research, Shane is always there to help!?

Beyond technical support, Shane provides invaluable emotional and moral support. Qualitative research can be emotionally taxing, and there have been moments when I've felt overwhelmed and unsure about my interview performance. In those moments, having a mentor who understands the complexities and challenges of this work has been an absolute lifeline. Shane has created a safe, humorous, and non-judgmental space for me to process my experiences, talk through the emotional impacts of the research, and develop strategies for self-care and resilience.?

A key aspect of our mentorship has been the practice of regular "After Action Reviews" (AARs). After each interview, Shane and I dedicate time to reflect on the experience, dissecting the conversation from multiple angles: the technical (e.g., questioning techniques, rapport-building strategies), the interpersonal (e.g., power dynamics, emotional resonance), and the reflexive (e.g., my own biases and growth edges). These AARs have been incredibly powerful for my development as a researcher, helping me identify patterns in my interviewing style, recognise my strengths and areas for improvement, and continually refine my approach. These AARs are a cornerstone of the learning process – a sacred space for reflection, learning, and growth. They have transformed each interview into a rich opportunity for skill-building and self-discovery, reinforcing the importance of having a trusted mentor to guide and support me through the inevitable ups and downs of the research journey.

Most importantly, Shane has taught me that qualitative research, at its heart, is a collaborative and relational endeavour. The same principles of empathy, curiosity, and care that we bring to our participants must first be cultivated within our own research communities. By finding our communities of support – those mentors and peers who are there to help – we not only enrich our own research journeys but also contribute to building a field that is more generative, inclusive, and impactful.?

Shane

Your shoutout made me chuckle—I’ll take it as a compliment! It’s been such a pleasure watching you grow and navigate the ups and downs of qualitative research. Our After-Action Reviews (AARs) have been as enlightening for me as I hope they’ve been for you. Reflecting on our experiences, dissecting our approaches, and continuously learning is what makes this journey so rewarding. And trust me, your growth and resilience have been inspiring to witness.

Looking Ahead...

Yuh Xin

As I continue on this path of qualitative inquiry, I am deeply grateful for the lessons I've learned and the people who have supported me along the way. And I am excited for all the messy learning and discoveries still to come – both in the field and within myself.

Shane

The road ahead will undoubtedly have more surprises and challenges, but with your openness to learning and ability to reflect, I have no doubt you’ll continue to thrive. Keep leaning into those messy moments – they’re where the real learning happens. And remember, the community you build around you, whether through mentorship or peer support, will always be your greatest asset.

Here’s to many more discoveries, both in the field and within ourselves. Proud of you!