interviews as social interaction

Question 1

factors

Answer 1

Interviewer Bias
Artificiality
Status and Power Inequalities
Cultural Differences
Social desirability effect
ethical issues

Question 2

interviewer bias

Answer 2

The interviewer may ask leading questions where the wording tells the interviewee how to answer by the tone of their voice. Interviewer bias can also occur when the interviewer identifies too closely with the interviewees. For example, Oakley found it difficult to remain detached and neutral when interviewing other women about maternity as a mother herself. Structured interviewers may reduce the risk of distorting data because there are more controls over interaction - it follows a list of pre-set questions which restricts the individual’s ability to ask leading questions.

Question 3

artificiality

Answer 3

Unstructured interviews are still interviews and not a normal conversation, both parties know it is an interview in which one side takes the initiative and asks the questions. Due to this artificiality, it is sometimes doubtful as to whether truthful answers can be obtained

Question 4

status and power inequalities

Answer 4

Inequalities between interviewer and interviewee may affect the respondent’s honesty or willingness to answer. The bigger the status difference, the less valid the data. Rich argues that when adults interview children, the child’s need to please the interviewer will affect their answers. Gender differences in power can shape the interview while ethnic inequalities between interviewer and interviewee may make interviewing very difficult

Question 5

cultural differences

Answer 5

These may also undermine validity, there may be misunderstandings as a result of different meanings being given to the same word. Interviewers may also not know when they’re being lied to - Meads research on pre-teens in Samoe has been criticised on the grounds that mead who couldnt speak the language was unable to spot that the girl she interviewed had misled her

Question 6

social desirability

Answer 6

Interviewees may give answers that make them appear better than they actually are.

Question 7

ethical issues

Answer 7

Few ethical issues
The interview is a social interaction and the respondent may feel under pressure to answer questions. Feminists argue that structured interviews are potentially oppressive to female respondents
Researchers should give consent, guarantee anonymity and make it clear that they have the right not to answer questions that they do not wish to. Vulnerable groups like children such interviews have to be kept brief - harms validity