Elite/Expert Interviews in Social Science Research

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'A hammer is to carpentry what research methods are to social and political scientists’​ (Hewitt, 2001, p. 371)​. ‘It is the main device by which we perform our work’ and fulfil our duties to critically engage theory and practice, as well as generate knowledge ​(Johan Adriaensen, 2015, p. 1)​.

This training course explores the intricate world of elite/expert interviews within social science research. It provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the method's rationale, ethical considerations, practical preparations, and execution strategies. Throughout the course, participants will explore various sampling techniques, ethical dilemmas, access negotiation tactics, and the crucial role of reflexivity in this research approach.

• Postgraduate students and staff
• Further details regarding eligibility criteria are available here

Number of sessions: 2

Defining elite/expert participants: We will delve into the criteria for identifying elite/expert participants, understanding who qualifies for this designation and why their insights are valuable in social sciences.

Targeting and sampling techniques: We will explore purposeful, theoretical, and snowball sampling techniques, providing participants with a nuanced understanding of deliberate and strategic participant selection inherent in elite/expert interviews.

Access negotiation and networking: Researchers often need to negotiate with gatekeepers and navigate referral hierarchies to access individuals in positions of power (Berry J. M: 2002; see also Harvey: 2010; Marland: 2019) Additionally, concerns about potential backlash and controversy can limit participants’ willingness to engage openly (Krawchenko: 2014). These challenges can restrict the topics explored and impact the researcher’s role in the interview process. We will discuss strategies for navigating access barriers and establishing essential connections with elite/expert, empowering participants to engage effectively in the research process.

The ethical paradox: Delving into the ethical considerations of researching elites/experts in the public domain, we confront complex dilemmas that challenge traditional ethical frameworks. This inquiry prompts a critical examination, advocating for a reconstruction of ethics rooted in a collective understanding of the public interest (Alvesalo-Kuusi & Whyte, 2018). Guaranteeing anonymity is a significant challenge, especially for professional elites holding positions of political authority and influence. Despite efforts to conceal their identities, their recognisability remains nearly inevitable (Christoph Houman Ellersgaard, 2021). Consequently, participants grapple with navigating this anonymity dilemma, weighing the benefits of anonymity against the implications of a non-anonymised approach. This confrontation exposes the moral tensions and risks inherent in opting for a non-anonymised strategy.

Planning and delivering Interviews: Effective interview planning, and delivery are essential for successful research outcomes. Participants will learn to design and implement interview protocols tailored to the demands of elite/ expert interviews, ensuring clarity of aims, objectives, and question design.

Ongoing consent and reflexivity: In the pursuit of ethical research, the establishment and maintenance of rapport, alongside ‘ongoing’ consent, emerge as foundational principles. Participants will engage in introspection, reflecting on their roles as researchers and the ethical dimensions inherent in their interactions with participants. This introspection is inspired by insights from scholars such as Anyan (2013), who emphasises the importance of reflexivity in understanding one's positionality and influence within the research process. A critical aspect of this reflection involves recognising and addressing potential power imbalances that may exist between researchers and participants. Drawing from the works of Kvale (2006), participants are urged to remain neutral and vigilant in avoiding the inadvertent influence of their own assumptions and predispositions on the research outcomes. By acknowledging these power dynamics and maintaining a stance of neutrality, researchers can uphold research integrity. Furthermore, participants are encouraged to situate themselves in positions of authority and power, rejecting notions of passivity or vulnerability in their roles as researchers. This directive, inspired by Hoong (2003), highlights the agency researchers possess in shaping the research process and outcomes. By embracing their authority responsibly, researchers can navigate ethical complexities with confidence and transparency, producing research grounded in integrity and transparency.

Data collection and analysis: Drawing from Goffman's theoretical framework, participants will explore the "frontstage versus backstage" dynamics in elite/expert interviews. The concept of "The King's Two Bodies" will also be drawn on, shedding light on the dichotomy between the natural and political bodies of elites, and their implications for power dynamics and institutionalisation.

Learning outcomes: By the end of the course, participants will:

• Develop an understanding of the methodology behind elite/expert interviews and their significance within the realm of social sciences.

• Recognise the criteria for identifying elites/experts and comprehend the value of their insights.

• Navigate the ethical complexities surrounding participants from public and political spheres, balancing personal and professional identities transparently.

• Acquire practical skills for negotiating access, engaging with gatekeepers, and constructing effective interview protocols.

• Establish proficiency in interview preparation, including participant background research, sampling methodologies, and topic guide development.

30 minute pre-recorded lectures online, 2 hours in-person workshop

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