Expert Interview Master's Thesis: Definition, Tips & Methods

05/06/2025

Introduction

Expert interviews in the master's thesis are a significant method of qualitative research. They allow for in-depth insights to be gained from professionals and for complex relationships to be understood. In empirical social research, expert interviews play a central role as they provide access to specific knowledge and practical experiences that are essential for scientific analysis.

In this article, you will learn about:

Definition and significance of expert interviews for the master's thesis
Forms and types of expert interviews
Preparation of an expert interview
Contacting experts: tips and best practices
Conducting the expert interview in the master's thesis
Transcription and evaluation of the interviews
Integration of the results into the master's thesis
Advantages and challenges of guided interviews
Ethical considerations and data protection
Practical tips for successful expert interviews

With this knowledge, you will be well prepared to effectively use expert interviews in your master's thesis and gain valuable insights.

1. Expert Interview: Definition and Importance for the Master's Thesis

Definition of the Term "Expert Interview"

An expert interview is a qualitative research method in which individuals with specific expertise on a particular topic are interviewed. This form of interview differs from other methods such as structured interviews or questionnaires in that it provides in-depth insights and detailed first-hand information. By directly interviewing experts, researchers can gain access to specialized knowledge that is not always available in written sources.

Differentiation from Other Forms of Interviews

Compared to standardized interviews, where fixed questions are predetermined, the expert interview offers flexibility and allows interviewers to respond individually to the answers of the experts and explore further relevant aspects. While structured interviews are conducted strictly according to a guideline, semi-structured and unstructured expert interviews allow for a more dynamic conversation. This flexibility contributes to gaining deeper insights and adapting the interview to the expertise of the respondent.

The Role of Experts in Empirical Social Research

Experts play a central role in empirical social research as they often possess extensive knowledge and practical experience in their field. Their statements provide valuable perspectives and can contribute to the validation of theories or hypotheses. In a Master's thesis, experts are particularly valuable because they can help close research gaps and provide practical solutions to complex questions.

Experts often bring new perspectives and assist students in answering their research questions more precisely and thoroughly. For example, an expert in the field of Product Placement on TikTok can explain specific strategies that cannot be captured through pure literature research. Similarly, an expert in psychological first aid can provide deeper insights into practical challenges and approaches to solutions.

By integrating expert opinions, a Master's thesis is not only enriched theoretically but also made relevant to practice. This increases the applicability of the research results and brings significant added value to scientific work.

2. Forms and Types of Expert Interviews

The choice of interview form significantly influences how deeply you can delve into the knowledge of the experts. In expert interviews, several types are distinguished, which differ significantly in terms of structure, flexibility, and research objective.

Structured Interview

The structured interview follows a fixed set of questions. All participants receive exactly the same questions in the same order.

Advantages:

The comparability of the answers is high.
Analysis and evaluation can be carried out in a standardized manner.
Less room for interpretation in the evaluation.

Disadvantages:

Little room for spontaneous follow-up questions or new topics.
In-depth insights are often lost.
Less suitable for illuminating complex or little-researched issues.

Semi-Structured Interview

The semi-structured interview is based on a guide with open main questions. The order and wording can be adapted situationally; follow-up questions and deeper explorations are explicitly encouraged.

Advantages:

Combination of comparability and flexibility.
Room for individual perspectives and unplanned insights.
Especially suitable for master's theses with an exploratory approach.

Disadvantages:

Evaluation requires more effort and methodological know-how.
Results are less standardized than in structured interviews.

Unstructured Interview

The unstructured interview focuses on open conversations. There is usually only a rough topic or goal, no pre-formulated questions.

Advantages:

Maximum openness to new perspectives and surprising insights.
Ideal for innovative or poorly researched topics.

Disadvantages:

Poor comparability between interviews.
Evaluation is complex and time-consuming.
Risk of the conversation drifting off or relevant aspects remaining untouched.

Expert interviews can also be differentiated based on their conduct (in-person, via video, telephone, or email) as well as their analytical approach (qualitative/quantitative). The right choice depends on your research project, your research question, and the desired insights.

3. Preparing an Expert Interview for the Master's Thesis

Preparing an expert interview for the master's thesis is a crucial step in collecting high-quality and relevant data. Thorough planning and clear structuring are essential for the success of the interview.

Selecting a Suitable Topic and Formulating a Clear Research Question

Selecting a suitable topic for your master's thesis is the first step in preparing your expert interview. You should consider the following points:

Relevance: Choose a topic that is not only significant for your own research but also reflects current discussions and developments in your field of study.
Interest: Ensure that the topic sparks your own interest. This will facilitate motivation and engagement throughout the research process.
Research Gap: Identify a gap in the existing literature that your research can address. Expert interviews are particularly valuable when there is little literature available on the research question.

Once you have chosen a suitable topic, formulate a clear and precise research question. It should be specific enough to obtain focused answers from the experts, but at the same time open enough to allow for detailed and comprehensive information.

Tips for Creating an Effective Interview Guide

A well-structured interview guide is the cornerstone of any successful expert interview. It serves as a guideline during the conversation and ensures that all relevant topics are covered. Here are some tips for creating an effective interview guide:

Define topic blocks: Divide the guide into several topic blocks (ideally 3-8). Each block should address a specific aspect of your research question.
Formulate main questions: Within each topic block, 1-3 main questions should be asked. These questions should be formulated in such a way that they allow for open answers and provide in-depth information.
Add sub-questions: Supplement each main question with appropriate sub-questions. These help to gather further details and guide the conversation.
Maintain flexibility: The guide should be flexible enough to respond to spontaneous comments from the experts. Be prepared to deviate from the original structure if necessary.

The creation of an interview guide is an iterative process. It can be helpful to conduct pre-tests to check the clarity and responsiveness of the questions, as well as to identify any time constraints.

Careful preparation of your expert interview lays the foundation for successful data collection and contributes significantly to the quality of your master's thesis.

4. Contacting Experts: Tips and Best Practices

Contacting experts is a crucial step in conducting an expert interview for your master's thesis. Here are some tips on how to approach experts professionally and receive a positive response:

Research: Identify relevant experts in your research field through literature research, academic journals, or conferences. Create a persona profile to understand the needs and strengths of potential interview partners.
Initial Contact: Write a formal email or call the individuals. Introduce yourself briefly, explain your research project, and clarify the importance of their participation. A clear and concise subject line and polite address are crucial.
Summary of the Research Project: Provide a brief overview of your master's thesis, the research question, and the purpose of the interview. This helps the experts understand the context and increases their willingness to participate.
Show Flexibility: Offer different options for the interview (in-person, phone, or video). Be flexible regarding the timing and duration of the interview.
Invitation to Participate: Phrase your request in a way that makes the experts feel they will make a valuable contribution. Emphasize how their expertise can enrich your research.
Professional Appearance: Ensure professional and respectful communication in all interactions. Politeness and appreciation towards the experts are crucial for a positive response.
Follow Up: If no response is received, send a friendly reminder after a few days. Sometimes a request gets overlooked in daily life, and a second contact attempt can be helpful.

By following this approach, you increase the likelihood that experts will agree to your interview request and thus provide important insights for your master's thesis.

5. Conducting the Expert Interview in the Master's Thesis

Conducting Interviews for Master's Thesis requires careful planning and precise execution. Here are some practical tips that can help you:

Technical Check

Before the actual interview, it is crucial that all technical devices function properly:

Recording Device: Thoroughly test your recording device and ensure that there is enough storage space available.
Batteries/Chargers: Make sure that all devices are fully charged or have spare batteries available.
Software: Use reliable recording software and conduct a test run.
Internet Connection: If conducting online interviews, check the stability of your internet connection.

Conducting the Conversation

An effective conversation management is key to a successful interview:

Introduction: Start the interview with a brief introduction and an explanation of the research objective.
Open Questions: Ask open-ended questions to receive detailed and informative answers.
Flexibility: Be prepared to deviate from your prepared guide if the conversation takes an interesting direction.
Active Listening: Show interest in your counterpart's answers through active listening and targeted follow-up questions.

Obtaining Consent Forms

Before starting the interview, all formal aspects should be clarified:

Consent Form: Obtain a written consent form in which the agreement to record and use the data is documented.
Anonymization: Offer to anonymize the identity of the interview partner if desired.
Data Protection: Inform about the measures taken to protect personal data in accordance with GDPR guidelines.

Through this careful preparation and execution, you not only ensure the quality of your data but also a professional and respectful treatment of your experts.

6. Transcription and Evaluation of Expert Interviews

The transcription of the interview recording is an essential step in the research process, as it forms the basis for qualitative data analysis. Through transcription, spoken words are converted into written form, allowing for detailed analysis and interpretation.

Importance of Transcription

Accuracy and Detail: A careful transcription ensures that all nuances and details of the conversation are captured. This is particularly important for precisely analyzing the responses of the experts.
Traceability: Written records allow for systematic verification of the data. Researchers can refer back to the original statements at any time and validate their analyses.
Transparency: A complete transcription increases the transparency of the research process, as all participants have access to the original data.

Methods for Qualitative Data Analysis

There are various approaches to evaluating the transcribed expert interviews:

Qualitative Content Analysis

Categorization: Statements are classified into categories to identify recurring themes and patterns.
Coding: Text passages are assigned codes that represent specific content. These codes help navigate through the text in a structured manner and highlight important information.

Grounded Theory

Theory Development: A new theory is developed from the data. Expert responses serve as the basis for generating hypotheses and concepts.
Open Coding: In a first step, the text is coded without predefined categories to capture as many relevant aspects as possible.

Sequence Analysis

Interaction Patterns: Focuses on the order and structure of interactions within the interview.
Sequential Events: Identifies how certain topics follow one another and what patterns emerge from them.

The choice of method depends heavily on the research question and the objectives of your master's thesis. Qualitative content analysis is particularly suitable for structured interviews with clear response categories, while Grounded Theory offers more flexibility for exploratory research questions.

By using these methods, you can gain in-depth insights into the expertise of your experts and present your research findings in a well-founded manner.

7. Integration of Results into the Master's Thesis

The real challenge begins when you integrate the insights gained from the expert interviews in such a way that they specifically answer your research question and fit into the theoretical context of your work. To meaningfully embed interview-based findings, a structured approach is recommended:

Comparison with Theories and Literature: Highlight how the statements of the experts confirm, contradict, or complement existing theories. Cite succinctly and provide concrete examples from the interviews. This will make it clear what added value your empirical contribution provides.
Interpreting Results Master's Thesis: Critically analyze what patterns have emerged from the interviews. Were unexpected perspectives revealed? What differences are evident between individual experts? Reflect openly on these aspects in the results section and methodically justify how you arrived at your interpretations.
Theoretical Integration: Build bridges between interview statements and the theoretical framework of your work. This can be achieved, for example, by directly contrasting interview quotes with central concepts from the literature or by providing a tabular overview.
References and Citations: Use direct quotes as evidence for central statements – pay attention to anonymization and scientific citation style.

By following this approach, you will demonstrate how qualitative data strengthen your argumentation and contribute to answering your research question.

8. Advantages and Challenges of Guideline Interviews in Theses

Guideline interviews offer numerous advantages for master's theses, especially when complex or under-researched topics are being investigated. They allow for targeted knowledge acquisition directly from experts, whose practical experience and expertise are often not documented in the literature.

Advantages of Guideline Interviews:

Structured Flexibility: With a pre-developed guideline, the interview remains focused while allowing for spontaneous exploration of relevant aspects.
Comparability and Depth: The standardized questions allow for systematic comparison of answers from different experts while still capturing individual perspectives.
High Practical Relevance: Results are based on real expert knowledge rather than theoretical assumptions – particularly relevant for current or complex questions.
Efficient Data Collection: Interviews usually last only 30–60 minutes and provide extensive data in a short amount of time.

Challenges:

Elaborate Preparation: Developing a targeted guide requires a deep understanding of the research topic as well as pre-tests to optimize the questions.
Subjectivity & Biases: Personal opinions of the experts can influence results - neutrality in conducting the conversation is essential.
Limited Generalizability: Insights are often context-specific and cannot be easily transferred to larger populations.
Time Management: Finding appointments, conducting multiple interviews, and transcription are time-consuming.

The choice of a guided interview should always be adapted to the research question, subject area, and available time.

9. Ethical Considerations and Data Protection in Expert Interviews

Ethical aspects in the interview play a central role when planning and conducting an expert interview in a master's thesis. The responsibility towards the respondents begins already with the initial contact and extends to the evaluation and publication of the results.

Important ethical guidelines:

Voluntariness: Experts must never be pressured to participate. Participation must be based on voluntariness, which also includes the possibility of withdrawing at any time without giving reasons.
Transparency: You must clearly inform the respondents about the purpose, procedure, use, and possible publication of the interview. Unclear or misleading information should be avoided.
Protection of sensitive data: Personal information and sensitive statements will be treated confidentially. Anonymization of the data should be offered if the experts wish it.

Written consent according to GDPR:

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires written consent for the processing of personal data. This consent should:

Specify the purpose and scope of data usage.
Include information on storage, deletion, and anonymization.
Explain the possibility of withdrawal.

A sample consent form could look as follows:

"I agree that the data collected from me during this interview may be used for scientific evaluation in the context of a master's thesis. I am aware that I can revoke my consent at any time."

Responsible action not only includes compliance with legal requirements but also respect for the knowledge and time of the experts. This is how you build trust – a fundamental prerequisite for open and fruitful interviews.

The implementation of these ethical standards not only protects the participants but also enhances the scientific quality of your work through transparent and fair research conditions.

10 Tips for Successful Expert Interviews in a Master's Thesis

Practical advice to optimize the interview experience for both the researcher and the respondent

When conducting an expert interview, there are some important best practices that can help both the researcher and the expert optimize their experience:

1. Preparation

Research thoroughly: Gather comprehensive information about the expert's field of expertise and their previous work in order to ask targeted questions.
Create a detailed interview guide: Structure your questions clearly and logically to ensure the flow of the conversation.

2. Contacting

Professional and polite communication: Write a formal request via email or phone and briefly explain your research project and the importance of the expert's participation.
Offer flexibility: Show willingness to accommodate the expert's schedule.

3. Conducting

Technical Check: Test all recording devices in advance to avoid technical mishaps.
Obtain Consent Forms: Ensure that all legal aspects are clarified and that the interview partner gives written consent.
Ask Open Questions: Avoid closed questions that can only be answered with "Yes" or "No". Open questions encourage detailed and in-depth answers.
Active Listening: Show interest through active listening and follow-up questions. This creates a pleasant conversation atmosphere.

4. Follow-up

Transcribe Promptly: Transcribe the interview as soon as possible to avoid losing important details.
Approach Data Analysis Methodically: Use established methods such as qualitative content analysis or Grounded Theory for evaluating the collected data.

By following these practical tips, you can ensure that your expert interview is not only informative but also pleasant for both parties involved.

Conclusion: The Future of Qualitative Research Methods in Master's Theses

Expert interviews are a valuable method, especially for topics that are little researched. They provide in-depth insights and allow for the direct acquisition of specific expertise from experts.

Advantages of expert interviews in a master's thesis:

Deepening understanding: Experts share their specialized knowledge.
Qualitative data collection: Particularly suitable for complex and explanatory questions.

Future perspectives:

Qualitative research methods will continue to gain importance as they provide flexible and comprehensive data. The expert interview remains a preferred method for integrating practical knowledge and achieving well-founded results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is meant by an expert interview in a master's thesis?

An expert interview is a qualitative research method in which specialized experts are specifically interviewed to gain in-depth insights and well-founded information for the master's thesis. It differs from other forms of interviews by focusing on specialized knowledge and is often used in empirical social research.

What are the different forms of expert interviews and what are their advantages and disadvantages?

There are three main forms of expert interviews: structured, semi-structured, and unstructured interviews. Structured interviews follow a fixed questionnaire and allow for good comparability, but they are less flexible. Semi-structured interviews combine guiding questions with openness to new topics, providing flexibility and depth. Unstructured interviews are very open and exploratory, but they can be difficult to compare.

How do you optimally prepare for an expert interview for your master's thesis?

The preparation includes selecting a suitable topic as well as formulating a clear research question. An effective interview guide should also be created, which structures relevant questions and leaves room for open answers. Careful planning facilitates the conduct of the interview and increases the quality of the data obtained.

How do you professionally contact experts for an interview?

A professional contact involves a polite and precise introduction of the research project, an explanation of the purpose of the interview, and a mention of the benefits for both parties. It is advisable to inquire early, make flexible appointment suggestions, and possibly include references or recommendations to build trust.

What ethical aspects should be considered in expert interviews in the master's thesis?

Important ethical guidelines include obtaining written consent in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), transparency about the purpose of data use, and protecting the anonymity and confidentiality of respondents. Respectful treatment and the right to withdraw consent are also essential.

How can the results of expert interviews be meaningfully integrated into the master's thesis?

The interview-based findings should be embedded in the theoretical framework by comparing and interpreting them with existing literature. A systematic evaluation using qualitative methods helps to identify key themes and present the significance of the results in the context of the research question.