What are the challenges of conducting life history interviews?

Conducting life history interviews can be challenging due to issues of recall bias, time constraints, and establishing rapport.

One of the main challenges of conducting life history interviews is dealing with recall bias. This is a common issue in any research that relies on self-reported data. Participants may not accurately remember past events or may unintentionally distort their memories. This can be particularly problematic in life history interviews, where the aim is to gather detailed information about a person's entire life. The further back in time the interviewee is asked to recall, the more likely it is that their memories will be inaccurate or incomplete.

Another challenge is the time-consuming nature of life history interviews. These interviews often involve multiple sessions over a period of weeks or even months. This can be difficult to manage, particularly if the interviewee has a busy schedule or if the researcher has other commitments. Additionally, the process of transcribing and analysing the data from these interviews can be very time-consuming.

Establishing rapport with the interviewee is also a significant challenge. The success of a life history interview largely depends on the interviewee's willingness to share personal and sometimes sensitive information. This requires a high level of trust and rapport between the interviewer and the interviewee. Building this rapport can be difficult, particularly if the interviewer and interviewee come from different cultural or social backgrounds.

Furthermore, the subjective nature of life history interviews can also pose a challenge. Unlike quantitative research methods, which aim to produce objective, measurable data, life history interviews are inherently subjective. This means that the researcher's own biases and preconceptions can potentially influence the data collection and interpretation process.

Lastly, ethical considerations can also present challenges. Interviewees may share personal, sensitive, or potentially incriminating information during the interview. Researchers must ensure that they handle this information ethically, respecting the interviewee's privacy and confidentiality. This can sometimes be a delicate balancing act, particularly if the information shared has potential legal implications.