Interviews In Practice Flashcards
What form of interview does qualitative research use?
Unstructured
What are the characteristics of structured interviews?
Closed questions, pre-determined response option
What are the characteristics of semi structured interviews?
Mixed, either some closed and some open questions OR pre- determined questions with open responses
What are the characteristics of unstructured interviews?
Open questions or single trigger question; prompts enable further exploration of issues
What are the advantages of structured interview?
- use to measure issues of interest
- gather masses of data very quickly
- can use electronic data capture techniques to reduce input errors
- quick and easy to complete
- researcher presence can ensure complete data
What are the disadvantages of structured interviews?
- pre-specified response options
- do not give context
- not individual
- risk of researcher bias on interview content
What are the advantages of semi-structured interviews?
- can measure and provide context
- can use one to build on the other
- can find out about different aspects of the same issue
- triangulates data = more robust
What are the disadvantages of semi-structured interview?
- not many - mainly comes down to quality of design
- risk of researcher bias on interview content and process
What are the advantages of unstructured interview?
- captures understanding of an issue from the perspective of the participant in their own words
- researcher can clarify issues at the time of interview
What are the disadvantages of unstructured interviews?
- time consuming and therefore expensive
- data analysis
- lengthy and difficult
- risk of researcher bias on interviewer content and process
How is validity and reliability maintained in structured interviews?
- interview development based on best evidence/expert opinion/ public consultation
- all possible response options addressed
- piloted prior to full study use to identify errors
- interviewer honesty
How is credibility and trustworthiness in unstructured interviews maintained?
- interview “schedule” provided
- at analysis, findings “fit” with intention of interview
- evidence of researcher reflexivity and maintenance of field notes; bias made apparent
- findings more likely to be believed if data captures in conducive surroundings
- interviewer experience increases credibility
What form of interview does quantitative research use?
Structured