Qualitative Primary Methods: Semi-structured Interviews - Strengths and Weaknesses

Question 1

Why is the researcher being able to seek clarification with answers a strength for semi-structured interviews? Is it P, E or T?

Answer 1

It means the researcher fully understand what their participant has said. This is a Practical strength

Question 2

Why is validity a weakness in semi-structured interviews? Is it P, E or T?

Answer 2

As there are still pre-coded questions used, they cannot get data which is as useful. This is a Theoretical Weakness

Question 3

Why is the participants being able to introduce issues not thought of by the researcher a strength? Is it P, E or T?

Answer 3

It means the researcher will be able to get a better insight into the view of their participants. This is a Theoretical Strength

Question 4

Why is reliability a weakness with semi-structured interviews? Is it P, E or T?

Answer 4

Because follow-up questions will be different for each participant. This is a Theoretical Weakness

Question 5

Why is being able to access a large sample a strength? Is it P, E or T?

Answer 5

It means data can be more generalised to an area. This is a practical strength

Question 6

Why is standardisation a weakness for semi-structured interviews? Is it P, E or T?

Answer 6

Because follow-up questions for each participant will likely be different. This is a Theoretical Weakness