Research Method: Interviews

Question 1

What is a structured interview?

Answer 1

Predetermined questions delivered by an interviewer.

Question 2

What is a semi-structured interview?

Answer 2

Some questions are predetermined but new questions are developed as the interview proceeds.

Question 3

What is an unstructured interview?

Answer 3

No questions are decided in advance.

Question 4

What are the advantages of a structured interview?

Answer 4

+Easily repeated= High reliability
+Easier to analyse because answers are more predictable
+Interviewers can provide more information, like explaining what a particular question means.

Question 5

What are the disadvantages of a structured interview?

Answer 5

-Researcher bias
Interviewers expectations can influence the answers.
-Participants may feel embarrassed when answering questions face-to-face.

Question 6

What is an advantage of using semi-structured and unstructured interviews?

Answer 6

+More detailed answers can be collected because questions are shaped to each participant.

Question 7

What are the disadvantages of using semi-structured and unstructured interviews?

Answer 7

-More affected by researcher bias
Researcher must think of questions on the spot so may be asking leading questions.
-Requires well trained interviewers making research expensive.

Question 8

How is researcher effects shown in interviews?

Answer 8

The interviewers non-verbal behaviours may express agreement or disagreement and influence participants answers unknowingly.
Interviewers must be trained to remain neutral.