Methodologies: Beyond the interview [Advancing Research Community Workshop Series]

Key Insights

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  Interviews remain central but should be complemented with other methods for richer insights.

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  Quantitative techniques like conjoint analysis reveal patterns that interviews alone may miss.

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  Transitioning from structured experiments to interviews often feels uncomfortable but offers new exploration modes.

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  Observational methods such as contextual inquiry uncover users' tacit behaviors and workarounds.

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  Participant comfort and rapport especially matter when dealing with sensitive or high-stakes topics.

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  Mixed methods research benefits from collaboration across different roles, including data analysts and community organizations.

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  Researchers should be pragmatic about time and resources and pick methods fit for purpose and confidence needs.

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  Interviews are often misused as an easy default instead of creatively finding better alternatives.

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  Decentering the researcher and involving community partners leads to more inclusive and authentic data.

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  Researchers must check their own unconscious biases to avoid misinterpreting participant responses.

Notable Quotes