Outline and explain two reasons why some sociological perspectives prefer to use unstructured interviews (10)

Question 1

Outline and explain two reasons why some sociological perspectives prefer to use unstructured interviews (10) Advantage

Answer 1

Interpretivists prefer unstructured interviews because the researcher and respondents are more equal

Question 2

Outline and explain two reasons why some sociological perspectives prefer to use unstructured interviews (10) Analysis/ development

Answer 2

•Because they are respondent led, the interviewer asks the respondent to ‘speak for themselves’, they don’t assume they are superior, or that ‘they no best’ - this avoids the imposition problem.
• A good method for researching the underdog, deviant groups who might be more suspicious of authority and formal methods.

Question 3

Outline and explain two reasons why some sociological perspectives prefer to use unstructured interviews (10) 2nd Advantage

Answer 3

Feminists prefer unstructured interviews because they allow for a more emotional and empathetic understanding

Question 4

Outline and explain two reasons why some sociological perspectives prefer to use unstructured interviews (10) (2) Analysis/ development

Answer 4

• Especially good for researching victims of DV, and the powerless more generally, because of their informal ‘friendly’ nature.
• The method allows for rapport to develop because they are more like natural conversations.
• Researchers can take the time to show more sympathy with researchers expressing difficult emotions.