The interview is a form of conversation. Through their cooperation in the research process, researchers and informants jointly put the pieces together into a meaningful whole, something that makes sense to both with each participant having left his or her mark on the process and the product. The origins of the word converse provide an interesting link to the research approach because it evolved from the Old French converser, meaning to live or dwell, which in turn was borrowed from Latin conversari, which means to associate with or keep company with. Those of us who are living with children, whether we are parents, educators or members of the health profession, are associates in our efforts to assist them in reaching their fullest potential. It is essential that we continue to converse, to keep company with others who are part of the journey, and to share understandings so that they will deepen and broaden with each exchange.
Hermeneutic reflection informs conversation as a research methodology in an important way.
Hermeneutic inquiry is based on the philosophical theory that, as researchers, we cannot obtain objective knowledge through research, only come to a greater understanding of a phenomenon through our engagement with a context, be it text or dialogue. In social science research hermeneutic inquiry has been greatly influenced by the work of the German philosopher Hans-Georg Gadamer, particularly through his book Truth and Method, which was first published in German in 1960. In his interpretation, conversation becomes a means for conducting research that invites the participation of all parties to explore their understanding of the subject at hand through dialogue, leading to a collaborative increase in knowledge for all. While it is unlikely to totally abolish the distinction between them, conversational research does offer the possibility of developing a community of co-operative investigation into significant educational questions. Supported by this research I began my data collection but shortly encountered new doubts about ethical ways of conducting studies with human subjects.