interviews

Question 1

what are the types of interviews

Answer 1

• structured
• semi - structured
• unstructured

Question 2

what are structured interviews

Answer 2

Pre-determined questions asked in a fixed order

Question 3

what are the strengths of structured interviews

Answer 3

Can be easily repeated in exactly the same way

Question 4

what are the weaknesses of structured interviews

Answer 4

researchers cannot deviate from the topic or prompt ppts to elaborate further

Question 5

what are semi - structured interviews

Answer 5

• Similar to a job interview
• There is a list of questions set in advance but interviewers are also free to ask follow-up questions

Question 6

what are the strengths of semi - structured interviews

Answer 6

follow up questions can be asked to clarify answers and gain rapport

Question 7

what are unstructured interviews

Answer 7

• More like a conversation
• No set questions
• There is a general aim and interviewee is encouraged to expand and elaborate their answers through prompts by interviewer

Question 8

what are the strengths of unstructured interviews

Answer 8

follow up questions can be asked to clarify answers and gain rapport

Question 9

what are the weaknesses of unstructured interviews

Answer 9

Analysis of data is not straightforward; the researcher may have to sit through much irrelevant information

Question 10

what are the strengths of interviews

Answer 10

• Rich detailed answers
• up close and personal

Question 11

what are the weaknesses of interviews

Answer 11

• social desirability may be a problem –> answers may be influenced by the person asking the questions (interviewer bias)
• can be completed without the researcher being there
• Analysis of data is not straightforward; the researcher may have to sit through much irrelevant information
• researchers cannot deviate from the topic or prompt ppts to elaborate further

Question 12

how do you design interviews

Answer 12

Interview schedule:
- List of questions interviewer intends to cover
- These should be standardised to reduce interviewer bias
- Interviews can be recorded and analysed later or the interviewer can take notes.
- One to one interviews should be conducted in a quiet room away from people.
- Rapport should be established at the start with neutral questions.
- Interviewees should be reminded of confidentiality.

Include:
Filler questions:
- It can help to include some irrelevant questions to distract respondents of the main purpose and so reduce demand characteristics.
Sequence of questions:
- best to start with easy ones, leaving emotive questions (that may make respondents feel anxious or defensive) towards the end, so that they are more relaxed.
Pilot study:
- questions can be tested on a small group of people, so that questions can be refined if any problems are found.

Question 13

how do you write good interview questions

Answer 13

• Do not overuse jargon (specialist terms)
• Do not use emotive language and leading questions
• Do not use double-barrelled questions and double negatives