Open Interview

Question 1

What is the definition of an open interview?

Answer 1

All interviews that are not fully structured

Question 2

What is the purpose of an open interview?

Answer 2

1. to collect qualitative data from someone
2. the respondents point of view (verstehen)
3. we look for detail, depth, nuances, liveliness, paradox

Question 3

What are the characteristics of an open interview?

Answer 3

1. respondents, informants and key informants
2. requires a lot of practice and skill
3. must require the ability to listen well, hold a conservation, ask good questions, know when to ask them
4. quantifications are possible, but limited
5. few interviews can be done
6. relationship is very important
7. aspects of power, gender differences, trust relationships
8. types of conversation aids such as a vignette
9. checklist, topic list

Question 4

What are the 2 different epistomological positions?

Answer 4

1. Positivism
   the miner: digging for knowledge that you know is there
2. Social-Constructivism
   the traveller: working together to find the knowledge

Question 5

What are the 2 different interview styles?

Answer 5

1. empathic
2. confrontational

Question 6

Types of open interviews

Answer 6

1. unstructured
2. semi-structured
3. focused interview
4. elite or expert interview
5. retrospective open interview

Question 7

Semi-structured interview

Answer 7

• the subjects are fixed
• structured questions
• topics and follow-up questions
• subtopics as keywords, prepped and discovered

The semi-structured format strikes a balance between the rigidity of structured interviews and the complete openness of unstructured interviews, making it particularly useful for exploring complex or sensitive topics where the interviewer may need to probe deeper based on the participant’s answers.

Question 8

Elite or expert interview

Answer 8

• a special type of respondent - a lot of knowledge, key informant
• valuable information, overall picture
• respondents are usually shielded
• similar to semi-structured interview, but shorter
• more substansive preparation is required
• power disbalance

Question 9

Topic List

Answer 9

A topic list is a structured outline of themes and subjects that an interviewer plans to cover during a qualitative research interview, ensuring all relevant areas are addressed while allowing flexibility in the conversation.

Question 10

Outline Interview

Answer 10

1. first introduction (meeting someone)
2. introduction (informed consent, overview)
3. warm-up questions
4. main topics
5. follow up questions
6. conclusion