AIRS 3rd Annual Conference: 2011
Title: Qualitative Research Interviews about Singing: First Experiences
Authors: Marya Stonehouse (University of Saskatchewan), Katie McCaw (University of Saskatchewan),
Jennifer Nicol (University of Saskatchewan)
Presentation Format: Poster
Sub-themes: 3.3
Introduction
Qualitative research interviews are the bedrock of qualitative research. There are different types of
qualitative research interviews (Patton, 2002) and different philosophical assumptions informing them
(Kvale, 1996). Done well, qualitative research interviews generate rich data that provide specific, focused
descriptions about different aspects of the lifeworld, i.e., the everyday lived world of participants (Kvale,
1996). However, despite appearing straightforward to implement, qualitative research interviews are an
acquired skill. In this poster presentation, various terms associated with qualitative interviewing will be
summarized along with common features of qualitative research interviews, different types of questions,
and common characteristics of effective interviewers. Then the grounded theory AIRS project, Singing
Your Way to Health, will be described. Grounded theory is an established research method used to generate
mid- range explaining a social process, in this case, choir members’ experiences of singing as a healthpromoting activity. Interviews are typically used to generate data for grounded theory studies. This project,
Singing Your Way to project, Singing Your Way to Health, was the setting for two student interviewers’
beginning experiences with qualitative research interviews. Critical incidents, learning, and reflections will
be identified with the intent of providing practical tips for other novice student researchers and for
researchers unfamiliar with qualitative research interviews.
Bios
Marya Stonehouse (B.A., Honors Psychology) is a first year graduate student in the University of
Saskatchewan's Masters of School and Counselling Psychology program. She is enjoying her research
assistant experiences with AIRS, likes working with exceptional children and youth, and is a musician.
Katie McCaw (B.A., Honors Psychology) is an incoming graduate student in the University of
Saskatchewan's Masters of School and Counselling Psych- ology program. She is enjoying her research
assistant experiences with AIRS, likes working with adults in a student-run community health service, and
is a dancer.
Jennifer Nicol (PhD, Counselling Psychology) is an Associate Professor at the University of
Saskatchewan. She is also an Accredited Music Therapist and Registered Doctoral Psychologist. She is
responsible for the leadership of the AIRS 3.3 theme, enjoys supervising students, likes qualitative
research, and is a pianist. For more information, see http://www.usask.ca/education/people/nicolj.htm