Unstructured Interviews (Interpretivists) Flashcards
What are unstructured interviews?
They are guided conversations with an informal talk where the researcher plays an active role as they manage the questions to ensure the participant keeps to the subject of the research.
Why do interpretivists use unstructured interviews?
They probe responses to previous questions and investigate motives.
They’re carried out in natural settings where the respondent feels most comfortable
They’re in-depth and carried out over a period of hours rather than minutes.
STRENGTHS of unstructured interviews
Qualitative interaction is established.
A relationship with the respondent is built that generates trust and rapport to put interviewees at ease.
Respondents are placed at the center of the research thus are more likely to discuss sensitive and painful experiences if they feel the interviewer is sympathetic, empathetic and truly interested.
Flexible as the interviewer isn’t restricted to a fixed set of questions but can explore and follow up interesting responses.
A new hypothesis can be formulated and put to the test during the interview.
Suitable for researching sensible groups.
The researcher explains the purpose of the research.
Anonymity and confidentiality encourage people to open up and give more valid responses.
Provides richer and more vivid and colourful data thus is valid.
WEAKNESSES of unstructured interviews
The researcher is selective about what they publish in support of their hypothesis.
The researcher may end up consciously/unconsciously selecting material that supports their view.
Qualitative data is difficult to analyze and categorise due to its sheer volume of material in the respondents own words.
Uses less participants than surveys thus is less representative of the research population in the wider community.
Expensive and training is required to gain inter-skills so a good relationship is established with the interviewee.
Time-consuming to conduct and transcribe.
Dependent on what people know about their own behaviour, if people are unaware it then it affects the quality of the data.
