Qualitative Interview Research With Vulnerable Groups: Methodological Reflections on the Use of Face-to-Face, Telephone, and Video Interviews in a Research Project Examining Fear and Mobility

Abstract

Our aim in this article is to methodologically reflect on different qualitative forms of face-to-face, telephone, and video interviews for research with vulnerable groups. We address the key question of how people with anxiety disorders can be involved in qualitative research projects and what advantages and challenges are associated with the different (analogue and digital) forms of data collection. The basis for the comparison is formed by 12 semi-structured interviews (KRUSE, 2015), which were carried out in different modes as part of the research project "Mobility Without Fear" during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our comparison of the qualitative instruments is carried out with regard to planning interviews, interview practice, distortions, and validity and in terms of depth of content (from superficial to profound) and time and documentation efforts. Advantages and challenges are presented for both the interviewees and the interviewers. Moreover, we describe research-ethical considerations, which are to be taken in the course of interview planning, recruiting, and communicating, in order to protect vulnerable target groups, and we give specific recommendations for conducting qualitative interviews with people affected by anxiety disorders.