Conversational interviews and multiple-case research in psychology

The use of conversational interviews within a multiple-case framework (after Rosenwald, 1988) is described as a method to address research questions in psychology. The assumptions that underlie the method, the essential aspects of the method, the analytical processes used to create theory, and the criteria for evaluating theory are each discussed in turn. The starting point is an assumption that reality, and hence psychological phenomena, are constructed both within the individual and through social interaction. The consequence is that multiple, dynamic, and potentially contradictory realities are assumed to exist. These realities are best understood through a collaboration between researcher and participants in which the social worlds of the participants are brought together through the researcher. The aim is to generate theory that is convincing and useful. One way of achieving this aim is through conversational interviews within a multiple-case framework. An example is presented that provides concrete illustration of the key points.