Metatheory and Interviewing

This book describes and applies a unique approach for advancing Harm Reduction Theory in health and safety research and practice via conducting theory-driven, qualitative research. Rather than continue to discuss and apply harm reduction as theory, Haas and Mattson argue that using harm reduction as a metatheory to guide qualitative interviews strengthens the use and acceptance of harm reduction and strengthens the application of constructs within health theories. To demonstrate harm reduction metatheory as a research tool, the authors provide Research in Practice Illustrations. These reader-friendly illustrations focus on the development, implementation, and analysis of in-depth interviews with respective participants, at-risk motorcyclists, which are informed by harm reduction metatheory. The book begins by discussing the history and definitions of harm reduction theory and how harm reduction theory has been applied in health and safety research. The subsequent chapters conceptualize harm reduction as a metatheory and address how harm reduction metatheory can reinforce the application of theory in interview research including the development of interview protocols, conducting interviews, analyzing data, and utilizing the results to address target audiences. These chapters are organized around motorcycle safety research in practice illustrations to provide in-depth examples of how this unique approach to interviewing can be used to link metatheory, theory, methodology, and ultimately application and translation of research results. The book culminates with a discussion of how applying harm reduction from a metatheoretical perspective to conduct and analyze interviews can enhance the use of theory in research and practice while facilitating a deeper, more intimate conversation with research participants by encouraging them to incorporate the same, overarching harm reduction framework to provide pragmatic feedback about changing specific health behaviors. Readers will understand the critical role of a humanistic attitude and pragmatic communication with participants and the importance of further extrapolating these strategies to their broader target audience.