Interviewing Experts: Methodology and Practice

Interviewing Experts gives a comprehensive overview of the methodology and methods of expert interviews. In addition to that it includes the most import fields of applications. Today, expert interviews are considered a standard method of qualitative approach in divergent fields of the political and social sciences, such as international relations, science& technology studies, organizational research, gender studies etc. However, expert interviews are still marginalized in international discussions about the methodology and methods of qualitative research. Nevertheless expert interviews are frequently applied in empirical research and there is an increasing need for theoretical reflection and practical aid. Thus the book contributes to a rising methodological debate on expert interviews, reflecting on a longstanding empirical practice. (editors' abstract)