A entrevista no estudo da Excelência: Uma proposta

Abstract

Research around the Human Excellence topic has been characterized by the multiplicity of theoretical and methodological approaches to its study. On the one hand the construct of excellence contains the difficulty of its own operationalization, reflecting multiple identification criteria and research methods. On the other hand, the singularity underlying the excellence concept foster the discussion about the most adequate methodologies to its study. Quantitative approaches claim the objective and laboratorial study of exceptional performance, nevertheless some questioning about the meaning of singular and individual performance outcomes that can be generalized and quantified. In this sense research can benefit from a more comprehensive and deep approach to excellence routes that can be attained by qualitative methodologies. Still other authors recognize the use of mixed research methods, in order to overcome difficulties and strengthen potentialities in the study of excellence. Recent studies with exceptional individuals have been using and emphasized the interview as tool for data collection. In the present article we present a literature review analysing the main interview characteristics used in the study of excellence at different achievement contexts. As a corollary of such review, and trying to contribute to the study of excellence development and maintenance, a proposal for an interview guide is presented.