The Practice of Dyadic Interviewing: Strengths, Limitations and Key Decisions

Authors

  • Joanna Szulc Gdańsk University of Technology
  • Nigel King University of Huddersfield

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-22.2.3776

Keywords:

dyadic interview, joint interview, interview, qualitative research, research, interaction

Abstract

Dyadic interviews, in which two participants are interviewed together, are becoming more popular in qualitative research, but are much less discussed in the methodological literature than individual and group forms. In this article, we consider the nature and value of dyadic interviews, recognizing them as active, relational encounters, shaped by what all parties bring to them, and infused with issues of power. Drawing on our research on altruistic motivation which involved 47 dyadic interviews conducted with 94 individuals and post-interview feedback from participants, we demonstrate the strengths and point out some of the potential pitfalls associated with the dyadic format, focusing on the practical and ethical issues in defining and recruiting dyads and the practice of conducting such interviews. We provide recommendations for researchers interested in using this method, and suggest research priorities for the further development of dyadic interviewing.

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Author Biographies

Joanna Szulc, Gdańsk University of Technology

Dr Joanna Maria SZULC is an assistant professor at Gdańsk University of Technology, Poland. She holds a PhD in management from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom. In her research, she uses qualitative methods to explore the nature of employee relationships and inclusive work environments. She is currently leading a funded research project on neurodiversity in the workplace.

Nigel King, University of Huddersfield

Professor Nigel King is professor in applied psychology at the University of Huddersfield, United Kingdom. He has written extensively on the development and use of qualitative methods in real world settings, with topics including interviewing, visual methods and template analysis. His substantive interests cover the meaning of natural/outdoor spaces and how this links to wellbeing, inter-professional working (especially in health and social care) and anomalous experiences in relation to death and bereavement.

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Published

2022-05-30

How to Cite

Szulc, J., & King, N. (2022). The Practice of Dyadic Interviewing: Strengths, Limitations and Key Decisions. Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 23(2). https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-22.2.3776

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