Data Prompted Interviews: using individual ecological data to stimulate narratives and explore meanings

Abstract

Background: An emerging trend in qualitative research is to use individual participant data to stimulate narratives in interviews. The aim is to describe the method of the data prompted interview (DPI) and highlights its potential benefits and challenges. Methods: DPIs use personal ecological data gathered prior to the interview to stimulate discussion during the interview. Forms of data include photographs, videos, audio recordings, graphs and texts. This data can be gathered by the researcher or generated by the participant and may utilise ecological momentary assessment. Findings: For the researcher, DPIs provide an opportunity to explore the meaning of the data and to explain data patterns. For the participant, presented stimuli give guidance for discussion and allow them to reflect. The challenges associated with conducting DPIs include practical issues such as data selection and presentation. Ethical challenges of DPI include concerns around data anonymity and sensitivity. Discussion: In the context of health promotion and illness prevention DPI offers a unique opportunity to explore reasons, opinions, and motivations for health-related behaviors in the light of previously gathered data.