Beyond the existence proof: ontological conditions, epistemological implications, and in-depth interview research |
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Authors: | Samuel R Lucas |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Sociology, University of California-Berkeley, 410 Barrows Hall #1980, Berkeley, CA, 94720-1980, USA
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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. |
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