Interviews can make a research paper feel alive. There’s something different about hearing thoughts straight from a person, rather than digging through the same journal articles and statistics that everyone else is using. But pulling them in smoothly? That’s where it gets complicated.
I’ve seen too many papers where interviews feel tacked on—like an afterthought instead of something that actually builds the argument. When done right, though, they can give depth, nuance, and even challenge assumptions in a way that makes a paper stand out.
Why Use Interviews in Research?
Interviews bring in what raw data can’t: context, personality, and sometimes even contradiction. Research papers tend to focus on trends and averages, but real people don’t always fit neatly into statistics.
For example, if I were writing about work-life balance, I could cite a study that says most people struggle with it. Or—I could interview someone who’s actually managing it well and find out why. That firsthand perspective doesn’t replace research, but it complicates and enriches it.
Choosing the Right Interview Subjects
Not every interview is worth including in a paper. The key is figuring out whether a source adds something new—not just whether they have an opinion.
A few things I ask myself before setting up an interview:
- Does this person have experience with my topic, or are they just an outside observer?
- Will their perspective challenge or expand my argument?
- Am I just using them to confirm what I already think? (If so, I probably need to rethink my approach.)
Framing an Interview So It Actually Adds Value
There’s a mistake I’ve made before: thinking that the act of interviewing someone automatically makes my research stronger. It doesn’t. An interview is only useful if it connects to the argument I’m building.
For example, if I’m researching academic resilience through parenting, I wouldn’t just throw in a quote from a parent about how tough it is. That’s obvious. Instead, I’d ask something more specific—maybe about strategies parents use to stay academically motivated despite their responsibilities. That way, the interview isn’t just background noise. It shapes the analysis.
Structuring an Interview Inside a Paper
This is where it gets tricky. How do you include an interview without it feeling like a long, awkward block of text?
Some methods that actually work:
- Weaving quotes into analysis. Instead of dumping long paragraphs, I break up key insights and connect them to my argument.
- Using interviews to contrast with existing research. If the literature says one thing but my interviewee’s experience says another, that’s interesting.
- Letting interviewees “speak” at key moments. A well-placed quote can highlight a shift in argument or a turning point in the paper.
Ethical Considerations (That People Ignore)
One thing that gets overlooked? Interviews aren’t just sources—they’re real people trusting you with their words. That comes with responsibility.
A few things I try to keep in mind:
- If someone asks for anonymity, respect it.
- If I take something out of context, even by accident, I need to fix it.
- Just because someone says something doesn’t mean it’s fact. Interviews should be checked against other sources when possible.
A Different Way to Think About Interviews
Something I’ve started doing is treating interviews like mini case studies instead of just “supporting evidence.” Instead of sprinkling in quotes, I structure sections around them—letting them drive the analysis, rather than just reinforce it.
For example, if I were writing about the evolution of digital platforms, I might interview a web developer and let their perspective lead into a discussion of tools for content management systems. That way, the interview isn’t just flavor—it’s integral to the structure of the argument.
Final Thoughts
Interviews aren’t just a way to make a research paper sound more personal. When used well, they add complexity, perspective, and even tension—challenging easy conclusions and making arguments more dynamic.
But if they’re not handled carefully, they end up feeling like filler. The trick is making sure they earn their place in the research, not just sit there for decoration.
