Against the flow in data collection: How data triangulation combined with a ‘slow’ interview technique enriches data

Abstract

Capturing the voices of the ‘disadvantaged’ in society may often be difficult to achieve. In this article, we argue that the combination of data triangulation and a ‘slow’ interview technique may be a good method when the target group is vulnerable people who may find the interview challenging. Data triangulation can reveal a social phenomenon’s complexity by providing a fuller picture, while in-depth interviews and a ‘slow’ interview technique can enhance data quality. We present an alternative to what we perceive as being dominant and tacit support for use of voice recordings in interview-based studies, thus our research approach goes against the current flow in the research community. In the absence of a voice recording, the quality of the interview can be assured through cooperation between the researcher and the informant. We also discuss the importance of establishing trust when meeting the informant in order to ensure rich data.