Interviews

Question 1

Structured interviews

Answer 1

The positivist favoured method of structured interviews involve face-to-face or over-the-phone delivery of a questionnaire. In turn, they use a list of pre-set questions designed by the researcher and asked of all interviewees in the same way.

Question 2

Structured interviews (advantages)

Answer 2

Practical - training interviewers is easy and cheap

Practical - Cheap and easy to administer

Representative - can reach a geographically wide research sample

Results are easily quantifiable because they use closed-ended questions with coded answers

Reliable - the structured process provides a ‘recipe’ for reproducibility

Question 3

Structured Interviews (disadvantages)

Answer 3

Lack of validity: the use of closed-ended and pre-coded answers may not fit what the interviewee wishes to say

Lack of validity: People may lie or exaggerate

Question 4

Unstructured interviews

Answer 4

The interpretivist favoured method of unstructured interviews mainly ask open-ended questions that produce qualitative data rich in meaning. There is a strong relationship built between the interviewer and the interviewee, which means the data is more likely to be valid.

Question 5

Unstructured interviews (advantages)

Answer 5

Rapport - the informality allows the interviewer to develop a relationship with the interviewee

Flexibility - the interviewer is not restricted to a fixed set of questions

Valid - they are flexible, due to how the conversation is not constrained by fixed questions - people can be more truthful

Question 6

Unstructured interviews (disadvantages)

Answer 6

Practical - time consuming, due to how unstructured interviews are typically longer, and expensive due to training interviewers in sensitivity

Unrepresentative - due to small research samples, data obtained is not representative of the wider population

Not reliable - due to how the questions are open, they cannot be easily repeated by another researcher. Additionally, the respondent’s ability to respond in the way they wish makes it impossible to clarify their responses.

Question 7

Semi - structured interviews

Answer 7

A qualitative method of inquiry that combines a pre-determined set of open questions (questions that prompt discussion) with the opportunity for the interviewer to explore particular themes or responses further.

Question 8

Semi - structured interviews (advantages)

Answer 8

Large amount of detail generated.

Fairly flexible and sensitive.

Easier to analyse than unstructured interviews.