How Interviews Shape Researchers: Lessons from a Longitudinal Reflexive Study

Sharon Daley; Tammi R. Davis; Jackie Sydnor; Margaret Ascolani

doi:10.66815/ajqr/18701

Sharon Daley ¹ ^* , Tammi R. Davis ², Jackie Sydnor ³, Margaret Ascolani ⁴

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AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 10, Issue 3, pp. 330-347

https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/18701

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Abstract

In this study, our research team examines how dialogic and reflexive interviewing practices shape data collection within a longitudinal study. Grounded in empathetic listening and relational inquiry, we moved beyond viewing interviews as a tool for data collection and instead attended closely to the interviewer’s experience. Findings suggest that principles such as curiosity, care, and reciprocity create reflexive spaces that support the interviewer’s professional growth while also deepening their understanding of teaching and learning. Analysis highlights the importance of ethical reflexivity and relational practice as central components of qualitative research. This work is situated within three strands of scholarship: relationship-based research practices; dialogic and reflexive interviewing; and interviewing as a site of researcher development. Together, these perspectives position qualitative interviewing not as a neutral technique, but as an evolving relational process through which knowledge and researcher understanding are co-constructed over time. Through sustained, dialogic engagement, these approaches strengthened both the methodological rigor and ethical sensitivity of our work. Findings point to the humanizing potential of dialogic inquiry for both researchers and participants, offering meaningful implications for supporting new teachers and advancing relationship-based qualitative research.

Keywords: relation-based research practices; dialogic interviewing; reflexive interviewing; longitudinal research; qualitative research

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Citation

Daley, S., Davis, T. R., Sydnor, J., & Ascolani, M. (2026). How Interviews Shape Researchers: Lessons from a Longitudinal Reflexive Study. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 10(3), 330-347. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/18701

Daley, S., Davis, T. R., Sydnor, J., and Ascolani, M. (2026). How Interviews Shape Researchers: Lessons from a Longitudinal Reflexive Study. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 10(3), pp. 330-347. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/18701

Daley S, Davis TR, Sydnor J, Ascolani M. How Interviews Shape Researchers: Lessons from a Longitudinal Reflexive Study. AM J QUALITATIVE RES. 2026;10(3), 330-347. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/18701

Daley, Sharon, Tammi R. Davis, Jackie Sydnor, and Margaret Ascolani. "How Interviews Shape Researchers: Lessons from a Longitudinal Reflexive Study". American Journal of Qualitative Research 2026 10 no. 3 (2026): 330-347. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/18701

Daley, Sharon et al. "How Interviews Shape Researchers: Lessons from a Longitudinal Reflexive Study". American Journal of Qualitative Research, vol. 10, no. 3, 2026, pp. 330-347. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/18701

Daley S, Davis TR, Sydnor J, Ascolani M. How Interviews Shape Researchers: Lessons from a Longitudinal Reflexive Study. AM J QUALITATIVE RES. 2026;10(3):330-47. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/18701