Abstract
The term “dyadic interview” refers to interviewing two participants together. Although there has been an increase in the use of dyadic interviews as a data collection method in qualitative studies, the literature on the use of this method with older adults is limited. This study was designed to explore the suitability of dyadic interviews as a method of data collection among older adults living at home. The study involved a direct comparison of the data obtained from dyadic interviews and in-depth individual interviews concerning older adults’ food choices. The study sample consisted of eight dyads for the dyadic interviews and six participants for the in-depth individual interviews. The dyads were composed of pairs who share a pre-existing relationship as well as pairs of strangers. We also discussed the role of participant selection and pairing in dyadic interviewing and how the interactions between the dyads may affect the result. Our results indicated that dyadic interviews can be used as an important data collection tool for home-living older adults, particularly when exploring a topic that often involves a dyadic decision. Our findings can be useful for researchers to make a more informed choice when choosing qualitative data collection methods, particularly when interviewing older people.
Highlights
As a result of demographic changes, research involving older adults is becoming more important
Comparisons are made between the dyadic interviews and the in-depth individual interviews
We examined whether the dyadic interview is a suitable method for use with home-living older adults and whether there are differences in eliciting information between a dyadic method and an in-depth individual method in the context of food choice and healthy diets
Summary
As a result of demographic changes, research involving older adults is becoming more important. The most commonly used interviewing methods are in-depth individual and focus group interviews [4,5]. In reality, these two methods seem to be the default choice when setting up qualitative studies. There are about one billion people aged 60 and over today, and this will double by 2050 [13] This rapid growth of the older population will have profound implications for each of us and the communities we live in [14]. Having older adults remain in their own homes for as long as possible has a positive effect on public finances, welfare systems, and older people themselves [17]
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