In-depth interviewing methods Flashcards
What is an in-depth interview?
A way to capture thoughts, perceptions, feelings and experiences
3 types of in-depth interviews
- Informal
- semi-structured
- Open-ended
Informal interview benefit
It is flexible and spontaneous - can explore themes and issues as they arise
Open-ended interview benefit
It is carefully worded to ensure that all participants are asked very similar questions
–> less opportunity to explore themes and issues
Sem-structured interview benefit
Researchers can elicit information from prepared questions but allow participants to elaborate on their responses
Ways to facilitate optimal information gathering
- Use open questions
- Be an active listener
- Monitor linguistic choices (vocab that meets the need of the interviewee; clear and concise questioning)
- Monitor use of jargon
- Assume that you don’t know
- Avoid leading questions
What are open-ended questions useful for?
Allows the participant to talk to great length, offering spontaneous descriptions. They can provide what they see as the main issue of the phenomena
Open-ended question e.g.
How would you describe your experience of…?
What are follow-up Qs useful for?
They encourage participants to say more about the answer they have just given or further elaboration on their point
Follow-up Q e.g.
Do you mean you had a negative experience with… could you please elaborate on that?
What are probing Qs useful for?
Prompts further discussion so that they have a clear understanding of the matter being examined
Probing Q e.g.
Can you give me some more examples of…
What are specifying Qs useful for?
Similar to follow-up; asking more specific questions so that a more explicit response can be obtained
Specifying Q e.g.
How did you feel when X…?
What are direct Qs useful for?
To clarify the issues or some ambiguity during the interview –> usually left until later in the interview, when the participants have offered their own explanations
Direct Q e.g.
‘Have you ever experienced discrimination from others in your X?
What are indirect Qs useful for?
The participant will usually talk ‘outside themself’, but their own attitudes may be revealed to some extent –> further careful questioning is essential to accurately interpret their responses
Indirect Q e.g.
How do you think other people would react to X?
What are structuring Qs useful for?
Assists the participant to move on to the next line of questioning
- -> researchers should indicate when the topic of the previous question has been dealt with
- -> also useful when the participant is discussing something that may not be directly relevant
Structuring Q e.g.
Summary of the answer given then ‘I would now like to introduce another topic’
What are clarifying Qs useful for?
Helps to ensure that the interviewee’s comments have been understood
–> researcher to indicate that this is the intention of the question
Clarifying Q e.g.
It sounds like the feeling of shame was what prevented you from seeking support earlier?
What are interpreting Qs useful for?
Help to clarify what the participants have suggested
Interpreting Q e.g.
Is it correct that you felt that X?
