Does the relationship between the interviewer and interviewee matter in qualitative research?

Abstract

The purpose of this viewpoint is to outline the relationship between the interviewer and interviewee in qualitative research, data collection and data quality. The argument draws upon qualitative research and publication among academicians and researchers, as well as the researcher’s observation. The relationship is an epic in qualitative and quantitative research and data collection. The relationship has positive and negative responses as well as advantages and disadvantages. Familiarity within the industry and respondents may make the data collection process more accessible, suitable and less time worthy, and money savings in collecting data set for the qualitative research. At the same time, unfamiliarity among the interviewer and interviewees may lead to the bias data from the interviewee and time-consuming. The researchers need to consider the relationship in future qualitative research and data quality for greater flexibility to attain research objectives. The viewpoint is valuable to those engaged in various aspects of qualitative research, data collection, and data evaluation either in a familiar or unfamiliar face.