The expert interview is a frequently used method in empirical social research. It is used in policy and implementation research, in industrial sociology, in elite and use research and in many areas of applied social research. The main interest in the interview is the expert knowledge, the expertise of a person (cf. Bohnsack et al. 2003, p. 57).
Against the background of the increasing use of the expert interview in nursing science, this interview form is presented as a method of qualitative social research in the first part of this paper.
A further chapter deals with the question of who can be drawn into the circle of experts for this interview form. The following chapters contain the concrete application of the expert interview as well as the evaluation of the data.
An excursus at the end of the thesis introduces the expert interview in health and care research. A critical methodological discussion of the expert interview concludes this paper.
Table of Contents
- 1 Introduction
- 2 The expert interview
- 3 Scientific and methodological foundations
- 3.1 Strategy and approach of empirical social research
- 3.2 Methodological classification of the expert interviews
- 4 The circle of experts for the expert interview
- 4.1 The expert and the expert knowledge according to Meuser and Nagel
- 4.1.1 Experts with operational knowledge
- 4.1.2 Experts with contextual knowledge
- 4.1.3 Experts in exploration
- 4.2 The expert term according to Bogner and Menz
- 4.2.1 The voluntarist expert concept
- 4.2.2 The constructivist concept of experts
- 4.2.3 The sociological concept of experts in the sociology of knowledge
- 4.3 The expert after glasses and laudel
- 4.3.1 The expert as a privileged person in a functional context
- 4.3.2 The expert as a person with special knowledge of social issues
- 4.4 The application of the expert interview and selection of experts
- 4.5 Application forms of the expert interview
- 4.1 The expert and the expert knowledge according to Meuser and Nagel
- 5 The guideline-based expert interview as Survey method
- 5.1 From research question to interview guide
- 5.2 From the research question to select the experts
- 5.3 The guiding questions and guideline construction
- 5.4 Typing of interview questions
- 5.5 Guide function
- 5.6 Practical information on guideline construction
- 5.7 Data collection considerations
- 5.7.1 Scheduling
- 5.7.2 Case group selection and case size
- 5.8 Conducting the expert interview and the role income of the interviewers
- 5.9 The interview situation as a potential problem area
- 5.10 Notes on data evaluation
- 6 The expert interview in health and nursing research
- 6.1 Application examples of health and nursing research
- 6.2 Frequency of application and methodological reflection
- 7 Criticism of the method of expert interview
- 7.1 Criticism of the concept of experts and expertsknow
- 7.2 Other interview procedures with experts
- 8 Summary
Objectives and Key Themes
The objective of this term paper is to present the expert interview as a method of qualitative social research, focusing on its application within nursing science. The paper explores the methodological foundations of the expert interview, examines different perspectives on the definition of an "expert," and details the practical application of the method, including guideline construction, data collection, and evaluation. Finally, it discusses the use of the expert interview in health and nursing research and offers a critical methodological reflection.
- Methodological foundations of the expert interview
- Defining and selecting experts for the interview
- Practical application of the expert interview method
- The expert interview in health and nursing research
- Critical methodological reflection on the expert interview
Chapter Summaries
1 Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the context of the expert interview as a frequently used method in empirical social research, highlighting its significance in various fields, including nursing science. It briefly outlines the paper's structure, signaling the exploration of expert definitions, practical application, and a critical evaluation of the method within the context of nursing research.
2 The expert interview: This chapter defines the expert interview as a crucial method in empirical social research, providing unique insights into expert knowledge and contextual factors. It contrasts the expert interview with simple information-gathering, emphasizing its reconstructive nature aimed at uncovering the underlying logic of expert decision-making. The chapter also situates the expert interview within the broader context of qualitative research methods, differentiating it from standardized surveys and highlighting its historical development and increasing acceptance in social science.
3 Scientific and methodological foundations: This section lays the groundwork for understanding the expert interview by outlining its strategy and approach within empirical social research and offering a clear methodological classification. This provides a robust theoretical framework for the subsequent discussions on expert selection and practical application.
4 The circle of experts for the expert interview: This chapter delves into the crucial aspect of defining and identifying suitable experts for the interview. It explores various perspectives on expertise, comparing and contrasting different conceptualizations from prominent researchers such as Meuser and Nagel, Bogner and Menz, and Gläser and Laudel. The chapter meticulously analyzes the criteria for selecting experts, highlighting the nuances and complexities involved in choosing participants who can provide rich and insightful data.
5 The guideline-based expert interview as Survey method: This chapter provides a comprehensive guide to conducting a guideline-based expert interview. It covers the process from formulating the research question to designing the interview guide, selecting appropriate experts, constructing guiding questions, and considering data collection strategies such as scheduling and case selection. The chapter also emphasizes the interviewer's role, potential challenges in the interview setting, and data evaluation strategies, providing a detailed, practical framework for implementing the method effectively.
6 The expert interview in health and nursing research: This chapter focuses on the specific application of the expert interview within the context of health and nursing research. It explores examples of its use and provides a reflection on the frequency of its application and its methodological limitations within this specific field. This section adds valuable practical insight and contextual understanding to the broader theoretical discussion.
Keywords
Expert interview, qualitative research, nursing science, empirical social research, methodology, expert knowledge, data collection, data evaluation, health research.
Frequently Asked Questions about "Expert Interview in Nursing Science"
What is the main focus of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of the expert interview method within the context of qualitative social research, with a particular emphasis on its application in nursing science. It covers the methodological foundations, practical application, and critical evaluation of this research technique.
What topics are covered in the document?
The document covers a wide range of topics, including: the methodological foundations of the expert interview; defining and selecting appropriate experts; the practical steps involved in conducting an expert interview (including guideline construction, data collection, and evaluation); specific applications of the expert interview in health and nursing research; and a critical methodological reflection on the strengths and weaknesses of the method.
How is the expert interview defined and categorized in this document?
The expert interview is defined as a crucial method in empirical social research that uniquely reveals expert knowledge and contextual factors. Different perspectives on defining "experts" are explored, referencing work by Meuser and Nagel, Bogner and Menz, and Gläser and Laudel. The document differentiates the expert interview from simple information gathering, highlighting its reconstructive nature focused on understanding the logic behind expert decision-making.
What are the key steps in conducting a guideline-based expert interview?
The document outlines a detailed process for conducting a guideline-based expert interview. This includes: formulating the research question; designing the interview guide; selecting experts; constructing guiding questions; considering data collection strategies (scheduling, case selection); the interviewer's role; addressing potential challenges in the interview setting; and implementing effective data evaluation strategies.
What are the specific applications of the expert interview in health and nursing research, as discussed in the document?
The document explores examples of expert interviews applied in health and nursing research, reflecting on the frequency of its use and its inherent methodological limitations within this field. It provides practical insights into the use of this method within this specific context.
What are the key criticisms of the expert interview method discussed in the document?
The document addresses criticisms regarding the concept of experts and expert knowledge itself, and also examines other interview procedures that can be used with experts, providing a balanced perspective on the method's limitations.
What is the overall structure of the document?
The document is structured to provide a comprehensive overview. It begins with an introduction, followed by sections detailing the expert interview method, its methodological foundations, different perspectives on defining experts, the practical application of the method, its use in health and nursing research, and a critical analysis of its limitations. A table of contents and chapter summaries are included to facilitate navigation.
What are the key terms and keywords associated with this document?
Key terms and keywords include: Expert interview, qualitative research, nursing science, empirical social research, methodology, expert knowledge, data collection, data evaluation, health research.
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- Stefanie Monke (Author), 2007, The expert interview as a method of qualitative social research, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1158768
