Interviewing Reluctant Respondents: Strikes, Henchmen, and Gaelic Games

Abstract

This article deals with interviewing reluctant respondents. The analysis is used to construct a process-oriented model of respondent rapport and empathy. By assessing respondent rapport in a reflective way, the article contributes to the sociology of knowledge generation and the construction of respondent reality of complex social phenomena. Using the authors’ reflective experiences of a particular interview episode, the stages of rapport building in the researcher— respondent relationship are assessed, providing guidance and lessons for future researchers. The limitations of the approach are considered and suggestions for future research are made.