We Are Moved by our Research – but what Are We Moving toward?

National Socialism in Biographical Interviews. Empirical Flashlights on ›Anxiety and Method‹ in Qualitative Research Processes

Abstract

In his seminal work From Anxiety to Method in the Behavioral Sciences (1967), George Devereux posits the analysis of countertransference as the most illuminating instrument in qualitative research. His approach does not disparage the researcher’s anxieties and defenses as merely interfering variables, but acknowledges them as meaningful constituents of the research process. Taking Devereux’ cue, this article contextualizes phenomena of countertransference by example of single working steps applied in a qualitative approach to the social sciences. Several biographical interviews addressing Austria’s National Socialist past serve as a point of departure. The author shares his experiences with these interviews in the contexts of his research, teaching and supervision.