1 SAGE Cases in Methodology Methods in Action Case Studies This is a pre-print version of an article published online in 2014 at Sage Research Methods: http://srmo.sagepub.com/view/methods-case-studies-2014/n196.xml Using the senses in qualitative interview research: practical strategies Marilys Guillemin 1 and Anna Harris 2 1 Centre for Health and Society, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Australia 2 Technology and Society Studies Department, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Maastricht University, The Netherlands Abstract In the social sciences there has been an increasing level of interest in the senses, especially in disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, architecture and human geography. In this case study we focus on using the senses in qualitative research interviews. We discuss a research method that we call sensory awareness, which means paying attention to the sensory nature of research settings as well as using sensory questions or prompts in interviews. Such an approach enriches interviews by potentially offering insights into experiences which are often very difficult to describe. We offer an illustrative case to show how sensory awareness can enhance interview research. We discuss the key issues as well as practical strategies for conducting sensory interviews using the senses of sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. We conclude by considering the ethical challenges of using the senses in qualitative interview research, as well as offering interesting exercises and questions to consider.