Using Paired Depth Interviews to Collect Qualitative Data

Authors

Angie D. Wilson, University of North TexasFollow
Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie, Sam Houston State UniversityFollow
LaShondra P. Manning, Texas A&M University - CommerceFollow

Abstract

In this manuscript, the authors discuss using paired depth interviews as a method of collecting qualitative data.Paired depth interviewing—also known as paired interviewing—is defined as one researcher interviewing two people together (Houssart & Evens, 2011) for the purposes of collecting information about how the pair perceives the same event or phenomenon (Arksey, 1996). Although this form of interviewing has much potential as a data collection tool, it has received scant attention in the qualitative research literature. Thus, the purpose of this article is to provide a framework for using paired depth interviews as a method of collecting qualitative data. In this manuscript, we define and describe paired depth interviews, discuss conceptualizations of paired depth interviews using Roulston’s (2010) framework, delineate the strengths and limitations of paired depth interviews, and provide examples of paired depth interviews utilized in helping professions. Furthermore, we present a case study of original work that illustrates the utility of paired depth interviews and provide suggestions for future directions for paired depth interviews.

Keywords

Qualitative Research, Interviews, Paired Depth Interviews, Paired Interviews, Joint Interviews, Debriefing Interviews, Data Collection

Author Bio(s)

Angie D. Wilson is an assistant professor in the Counseling and Higher Education Department at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. Her primary research interests are addictions and offender counseling, counselor education, and underserved populations. She has published numerous peer-reviewed publications and has several years of clinical experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor–Supervisor (Texas) and a Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Provider (Texas). Correspondence regarding this article can be addressed directly to: angie.wilson@unt.edu.

Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie is a professor in the Educational Leadership Department at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. Co-editor of Research in the Schools and former editor of Educational Researcher, he is a licensed secondary school teacher, educational psychologist, and methodologist with expertise in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methodologies. Correspondence regarding this article can also be addressed directly to: tonyonwuegbuzie@aol.com.

LaShondra P. Manning is an Assistant Professor at East Texas Baptist University in the Department of Behavioral Sciences. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor with many years of experience working with children and adolescents in school, MHMR, residential treatment, college, and private practice settings. Correspondence regarding this article can also be addressed directly to: lmanning4@leomail.tamuc.edu.

Publication Date

9-5-2016

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2016.2166

Recommended APA Citation

Wilson, A. D., Onwuegbuzie, A. J., & Manning, L. P. (2016). Using Paired Depth Interviews to Collect Qualitative Data. The Qualitative Report, 21(9), 1549-1573. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2016.2166