Adding action to the interview: Conceptualizing an interview approach inspired by action research elements. Issue 1 (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nielsen, Helle; Lyhne, Ivar
• Is Part Of: Action research. Volume 14:Issue 1(2016:Mar.)
• Page Start: 54
• Page End: 71
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: Interview -- action research -- free space -- emancipation -- reified structures; Action research -- Periodicals; 300.72
• DOI: 10.1177/1476750315573591
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-7503

Abstract

Inspired by action research traditions, this article argues for a need to strengthen the role of interviews as an arena for generating action through mutual reflection. The aim is to point out and conceptualize the unarticulated action-oriented elements that appear in action researchers' interview practice. The article traces the development of the interview from hermeneutic toward critical utopian action research in order to identify core action-oriented elements of the interview. These elements are empirically studied in two cases of interview practices in research projects. Based on the findings, we outline elements of the action-oriented approach for doing interviews. The related ethical and practical implications are discussed and further research is outlined.