Topic 4b: Introduction to Interviews

Question 1

What are the following types of interviews:
- Structured
- Semi-Structured
- Unstructured
- In-depth

Answer 1

Structured
- collect information about attitudes/behaviour using a directive, scripted schedule - no deviation in questions

Semi-Structured
- non-standardised, non-directive, flexible list of themes and questions
- seeks to understand subjective and personal experiences as close as possible

Unstructured Interviews
- non-standardised and non-directive exploration of an area

In-Depth Interviews
- a guided conversation (Lofland)

Question 2

How should researchers prepare for an interview (include: Interview guide)

Answer 2

Interview guide - script/schedule that is a flexible tool aimed at maximising flow of information

Preparation - developing an interview guide that covers the key areas, must be related to literature, building rapport, and reflexivity

Question 3

What are the key points/stages to conducting an interview?

Answer 3

• Begin with a warm-up question
• Think about the logical flow of the interview (do a pilot and make adjustments!)

a) Order questions so that non-threatening questions are first
b) Have a nice general starter question
c) Probes
d) Using clear language and avoiding technical terms
e) Pilot questions for understanding and flow
–> use someone from target population for the pilot
f) Ensure questions meet study aims
h) Consider length of interview in terms of time

Question 4

Question Types: What are open questions
- Include PROBES

Answer 4

You cannot say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to an open question
–> Should include when/why/what/where/who/how

Probes:
- Silent (eg. nodding)
- Echo (repeating last statement)
- Neutral (encouraging eg. uh-huh)
- Direct (tell me more)
- Phased assertion (encouraging respondent to speak up)
- Detail (who/where/what/when)
- Clarifying (please describe what you meant by that)