How to Incorporate an Interview into Your Dissertation?

When writing your dissertation, you may decide to include interviews as part of your qualitative research. But how exactly do you incorporate those interviews into your work? Whether you're conducting interviews with experts, peers, or participants, the challenge lies in how to structure, reference, and cite the information. This blog post will guide you through the process of integrating interviews into your dissertation, from transcription to citation, while maintaining academic rigor and adhering to proper formatting styles.

Step 1: Transcribing the Interviews

Before incorporating interviews into your dissertation, the first step is to transcribe the recordings. You can either do this manually or use transcription software. Popular tools include Trint, Happy Scribe, and Otter.ai, which allow you to upload audio files and convert them into text.

It's important to choose the right transcription method based on your research needs:

• Verbatim Transcription: Captures every word, sound, and even pauses in the conversation.
• Intelligent Verbatim: Omits filler words like "um," "ah," and "you know," which makes the transcript clearer.
• Edited Transcription: Further refines the text by eliminating unnecessary information, focusing only on the key points.

Once transcribed, the interviews should be added to the appendix of your dissertation, making it easy for the reader to verify your sources. If you have lengthy interviews, you might want to submit the appendix as a separate document after consulting with your supervisor.

Step 2: Paraphrasing Interviews in the Body of Your Dissertation

Once your interviews are transcribed and stored in the appendix, the next step is to reference them within your dissertation. Paraphrasing is the most common way to incorporate interviews into the body of your dissertation. Here's how you can do it:

Example of paraphrasing:

• According to Interviewee X (Appendix A), the results indicate a significant trend in consumer behavior during the last quarter.
• During an interview with Y, it became evident that the market demand has increased substantially over the past year (Appendix B).

By paraphrasing, you summarize the main ideas discussed in the interview, ensuring they fit seamlessly into your argument while adhering to academic standards.

Step 3: Using Direct Quotes from Interviews

There are times when you may need to use the exact words of an interviewee to strengthen your point. This is especially true when the interviewee provides valuable insight or a memorable statement.

Example of direct quoting:

• "The company's growth has exceeded expectations, and we are poised to expand into new markets by next year" (Interviewee Z, Appendix C).

If you include direct quotes, make sure to provide context to explain who the interviewee is, and why their statement is important to your research. Direct quotes should not dominate the dissertation, but rather be used sparingly to highlight key points.

Step 4: Mentioning the Interviewee's Name

A key question that often arises is whether you should mention the name of the interviewee. The answer depends on several factors:

1. Consent: Always ensure you have explicit consent from the interviewee to use their name in your dissertation, especially when sensitive or personal information is involved.
2. Relevance: Ask yourself whether mentioning the name adds value to your research. For example, if you interviewed a high-ranking executive whose opinions are central to your research, it may be important to mention their name. In contrast, for more general interviews, it might be sufficient to refer to the interviewee as "Employee A" or "Participant 1."

In cases where confidentiality is required or the interviewee prefers anonymity, you can choose pseudonyms or use generic descriptors like "Interviewee 1" or "Subject A."

Step 5: Citing Interviews Correctly

When it comes to citing interviews, the citation format depends on the style guide you're using. The two most common citation styles for interviews are APA and MLA:

• APA Style:
  • For personal interviews not included in the appendix:
    • (X, personal communication, December 24, 2022).
  • For interviews included in the appendix:
    • (Appendix A).
• MLA Style:
  • (Smith, personal interview, 19 May 2018).
  • If the interview is included in the appendix:
    • (Appendix A).

Be sure to follow the specific guidelines of your university or dissertation advisor when choosing the appropriate citation style.

Conclusion

Incorporating interviews into your dissertation can significantly enhance your research, providing real-world insight and a deeper understanding of your topic. By transcribing, paraphrasing, quoting, and citing interviews correctly, you ensure that your dissertation adheres to academic standards while giving credit to the valuable perspectives shared by your interviewees.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to include every interview in my dissertation? No, only the most relevant interviews that contribute to your research should be included. If an interview provides valuable insights or unique perspectives, it should be incorporated into the discussion or analysis sections.

2. Can I use an interview even if I don't have permission to mention the interviewee's name? Yes, you can still use the content from an interview as long as you maintain confidentiality. Use pseudonyms or generic descriptors to protect the privacy of the interviewee.

3. How do I decide whether to quote or paraphrase an interview? If the interviewee's exact words are important for your argument or if their phrasing is unique and impactful, use direct quotes. If the information can be conveyed more concisely, paraphrasing is a better choice.

4. Can I submit long interviews as separate documents in my appendix? Yes, if your interviews are lengthy and would make the appendix too long, consult with your supervisor about submitting them as separate documents.

5. What if the interview is not available in the appendix? If the interview is not included in the appendix, you can cite it as a personal communication in APA or MLA format. Be sure to specify the interview date and the interviewee's details.