Methods In Context (Unstructured Interviews In Education)

Question 1

How do unstructured interviews overcome ‘Status Inequalities?’

Answer 1

• Establish rapport easily
• Encourages interviewees to open up + respond fully
• Produces more valid data

Question 2

What are the ‘Practical Issues’ using unstructured interviews in education?

Answer 2

• Pupils are given more space/time to articulate their thoughts
• Young people have a shorter attention span

Question 3

How ‘Valid’ are unstructured interviews studying education?

Answer 3

• Interviewer can clarify misunderstandings

- Children may have difficulty keeping up to the point

Question 4

How ‘Reliable’ are unstructured interviews studying education?

Answer 4

• Interviewer can create a relaxed environment

- Method can’t be standardised so different results will be found

Question 5

How might ‘Social Desirability’ impact unstructured interviews in education?

Answer 5

• Pupils are accustomed to adults ‘knowing better’ + may appeal to that
• UI allows for researchers to probe differing answers

Question 6

How might ‘Interviewer Training’ impact unstructured interviews in education?

Answer 6

• Interviewing young people requires more training

- Interviews must be trained to listen to children’s answers properly