Essentials of Qualitative Interviewing

"There are three general ways of writing about interviewing. The first one presents discrete steps in a research process that should be followed more or less mechanically. The second one rejects all such standardized formats and valorizes individual creativity and intuition. Olson's book is particularly valuable, because it succeeds in striking a balance between these extremes and communicates how to do research based on how she in fact works, what has been helpful in her own research projects, and how her students and colleagues have proceeded. This could be called a craft approach to interviewing that enables the reader to look over the shoulder of an experienced researcher, which is very useful to newcomers and also enlightening to more experienced researchers. The clear and accessible style of this book and its many concrete examples, based on many years of work in teaching and practicing qualitative research interviewing, will make it a valuable resource for students in qualitative research courses for years to come." --From the Foreword by Svend Brinkmann, Director of the Center for Qualitative Studies, Aalborg University, Denmark "Overall, this book is a very helpful text and reference book for undergraduate courses on qualitative research methodology and related topics." --Anthropology Review Database