Qualitative Research in Information Interaction: Data Gathering

Qualitative research is essential for how people interact with information and informing the design of interactive information retrieval systems. However, it is often challenging to do well. There are a plethora of possible approaches, often complementary but sometimes at odds with each other and combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to data collection adds further complexity. In this tutorial, focusing on qualitative data collection approaches, we will provide attendees with a comprehensive toolkit of CHIIR-relevant qualitative methods, including interviews and both naturalistic and ‘in the wild’ observations. We will also support development of an agile skillset so attendees can adopt or adapt qualitative approaches to meet their research aims. We will cover a core of flexible, proven and rigorous practice that will provide a thorough grounding in how to plan and conduct high-quality rigorous research. The tutorial leaders come from different backgrounds and can provide insight into how to use qualitative methods for attendees from all disciplinary origins. On completion of the tutorial, you will be able to plan and conduct rigorous qualitative investigations into how people interact with information, with potential to result in high-impact information interaction research.