Using video-stimulated recall as a basis for interviews: some experiences from the field

Abstract

This paper describes one phase of an investigation into the possible existence of gender interactions in one-to-one instrumental music lessons. In order to provide a preliminary sketch-map of a hitherto unexplored field, the mixed methods research design used a combination of three strands: (1) questionnaires to teachers and pupils; (2) observations of actual lessons; and (3) interviews with teachers and pupils. The investigation discovered the existence of many gendered expectations about teachers and pupils, only some of which were supported by the analysis of observations of lessons. Possible reasons for the expectations were discussed in semi-structured interviews, using video-recordings as a stimulus to recall. Focusing on this third phase, the paper demonstrates how the teachers and pupils co-operated with the researcher as consultants (rather than ‘subjects’ or ‘participants’), with considerable control over the topics investigated.