The Problem - Centered Interview: Principles and Practice

1.Introduction 2.The programme of the PCI 2.1.What is specific about interpretive knowledge of the social world, and how can we improve it? 2.2.The epistemological challenge of the PCI 2.3.Principles of the PCI 2.4.The PCI and other interviewing techniques 3.Preparing PCIs 3.1.Research interest, questions and design 3.2.Forms of prior knowledge and the use of a sensitising framework 3.3.Interview guide 3.4.Interviewer training, the problem of un/familiarity, and peer research 3.5.Sampling, access 4.Doing PCIs 4.1.Interview situation, setting 4.2.Introductory explanation and briefing 4.3.Warming up 4.4.Opening question 4.5.Opening account 4.6.Follow-up and PCI communication strategies 4.7.Social/personal characteristics 4.8.Short questionnaire 4.9.Exit and debriefing 5.Processing PCIs 5.1.Postscript 5.2.Transcription 5.3.Analysis and interpretation Contents note continued: 5.4.A note on resource-sensitive planning of PCIs 6.Examples of working with PCIs 6.1.Study A - `Transitions to Employment' 6.2.Study B - `Costs of Custodianship Law' 7.A final note on PCI errors and pitfalls 8.Appendices Appendix 1 Interview guide of Wave I of Study A (1989/1990) Appendix 2 Interview guide for judges from Study B.