INTERVIEWS, FOCUS GROUPS AND YARNING: Some Associated Ethical Challenges

Research interviews—individual or group—remain one of the most popular data collection methods in the social sciences. This chapter focuses on three popular qualitative methods: One-to-one interviews; focus groups; and yarning and yarning circles (a hybrid qualitative method originating within Australian Indigenous cultural practices). While all three methods share many of the same ethical challenges, each has distinct characteristics that need to be considered. These challenges can vary by the topic, cultural context, vulnerability of participants, and the expertise and experience of the person overseeing the data collection. Our central argument is that because of the often deeply personal nature of participants' disclosures, researchers need to approach each method with a strong sense of responsibility; a commitment to ensuring participants understand what is involved and being asked, of them; a proactive stance on maintaining confidentiality; and a dedication to fostering an inclusive and respectful research environment.