Beyond the existence proof: ontological conditions, epistemological implications, and in-depth interview research

Abstract

In-depth interviewing is a promising method. Alas, traditional in-depth interview sample designs prohibit generalizing. Yet, after acknowledging this limitation, in-depth interview studies generalize anyway. Generalization appears unavoidable; thus, sample design must be grounded in plausible ontological and epistemological assumptions that enable generalization. Many in-depth interviewers reject such designs. The paper demonstrates that traditional sampling for in-depth interview studies is indefensible given plausible ontological conditions, and engages the epistemological claims that purportedly justify traditional sampling. The paper finds that the promise of in-depth interviewing will go unrealized unless interviewers adopt ontologically plausible sample designs. Otherwise, in-depth interviewing can only provide existence proofs, at best.Keywords Ontology · Epistemology · In-depth interviewing · Sampling · Probability sampling · Non-probability sampling · Snowball sampling · Purposive sampling · Theoretical sampling What can we learn from in-depth interviewing? Surely, an interviewer can ask multiple respondents myriad questions, but what justifies attending to the answers or analysis? This question motivates the investigation. Because methodological justifications depend crucially on the match between ontological conditions and epistemological assumptions, addressing this question requires assessing the plausibility and coherence of key ontological and epistemological assumptions of in-depth interviewing.Although multiple assumptions ground every method, the study focuses on case-selection for in-depth interview (IDI) studies. Because all researchers must select cases for study, case selection is of broad interest.

Project Risk Management Incorporating Knight, Ellsberg & Kahneman

“…Given that the PSPRM as a document is an objective form of data, the logic was that the fundamental or foundational issues in the guide could be readily verified by anyone with an interest (by looking at the literature referenced and the PSPRM guide itself), and further that these gaps should be corrected prior to moving onto more specific issues flowing from these foundations. It is hoped that the limited review provides a useful starting point in this regard, while at the same time illustrating existence proofs [41] of the argumentation. Further, it is hoped that the starting point provided here endows a useful platform for future research seeking to integrate other areas of organizational risk knowledge that are already wellestablished, into the IS risk literature, including such topics as risk communications and risk migration [23,42].…”

Strategies for Adjustment to Loss and Grief among Selected Kenyan Orphaned Secondary School Students

“…According to Lucas (2013), purposive sampling technique is primarily used in qualitative studies and was defined as selecting units (e.g., individuals, groups of individuals, institutions) based on specific purposes associated with answering a research study's questions.…”

“…Interview process-allows the researcher to observe and ask questions, thus providing opportunity to look at issues as if through the eyes of the participants (Sagoe, 2012). Lucas (2013) contends that semi-structured interviewing is more appropriate when one particularly intends to pursue a specific issue. In depth-interviewing was employed in the present study because it enabled the researcher to understand and interpret social reality through meanings that the respondents attached to their career experiences (Punch, 2010).…”

Gender Differences in Adjustment to Loss and Grief among Selected Kenyan Orphaned Secondary School Students

“…The sample size of 453 students for quantitative sample was considered appropriate since according to Bragg, (2011) who noted that one third of a population was an adequate sample, whose information can be deduced for the general population.A sample of 10 partial or total orphaned students were selected from the sampled schools for interviews using purposive sampling technique. According to Lucas (2013), purposive sampling technique is primarily used in qualitative studies was defined as selecting units (e.g., individuals, groups of individuals, institutions) based on specific purposes associated with answering a research study's questions.…”