5.2 Interviews

Question 1

Define Interviews

Answer 1

A qualitative method that investigates into situations & find reasons behind them

Question 2

What are the different types of interview styles?

Answer 2

Structured
Semi-Structured
Unstructured

Question 3

What are the features of the different types of interview styles?

Answer 3

Structured:
Predetermined questions
Set wording
Order

Semi-Structured (most common):
Uses interview guide/checklist with default order & wording

Unstructured
Conversation is allowed to develop within topic

Question 4

Advantages of interviews

Answer 4

Flexible 
Better response rate
Observed behaviour
Less bias
More complex questions & richer data set
Make interviewee feel involved

Question 5

Disadvantages of interviews

Answer 5

Cost
Access to people 
Bias
Flexibility can affect data reliability
Data analysis
Can make interviewees feel stressed
No anonymity
Difficult to refuse

Question 6

What is required in an interview preparation?

Answer 6

Know objective/purpose & the kind of data you/re seeking
Who you are going to interview
Make a request at a convenient time (generally written confirmation is given)
Plan structure (pyramid/funnel/diamond)
Plan questions (open/closed/probing/leading)

Question 7

What should the interviewer do at the start of the interview?

Answer 7

Shake hands (established credibility & trustworthiness)
Introduce yourself
Explain purpose of interview
Check recording equipment
Help people be at ease (be aware that people can be suspicious of you)

Question 8

What should happen during the interview?

Answer 8

Build rapport (friendly, makes communication easy)
Ask if you can record and take notes
Questions
Stop if degenerating into ‘moan & groan’ session
Listen to what is said
Summarise at the end
Explain what happens next

Question 9

What should happen after the interview?

Answer 9

Thank interviewee for their time
Make further appointment if necessary
Write notes up ASAP
Provide notes for interviewee to check (incorporate their comments)