The Long Interview provides a systematic guide to the theory and methods of the long qualitative interview -- also called intensive interviewing. Using examples from across the social sciences, the book gives both professionals and students a clear explanation of one of the most powerful and efficient tools of the qualitative researcher.The volume begins with a general overview of the character and purpose of qualitative inquiry and a review of key issues that confront qualitative methods in general and the long interview in particular. The author then outlines the four steps of the long qualitative interview and how to judge quality. McCracken offers practical advice for those who commission and administer this research, including sample questionnaires and budgets to help readers design their own.The author introduces the reader to key theoretical and methodological issues, various research strategies, and a simple four-stage model of inquiry, from the design of an open-ended questionnaire to the write up of results.