Interviews In Practice

Question 1

What form of interview does qualitative research use?

Answer 1

Unstructured

Question 2

What are the characteristics of structured interviews?

Answer 2

Closed questions, pre-determined response option

Question 3

What are the characteristics of semi structured interviews?

Answer 3

Mixed, either some closed and some open questions OR pre- determined questions with open responses

Question 4

What are the characteristics of unstructured interviews?

Answer 4

Open questions or single trigger question; prompts enable further exploration of issues

Question 5

What are the advantages of structured interview?

Answer 5

• use to measure issues of interest
• gather masses of data very quickly
• can use electronic data capture techniques to reduce input errors
• quick and easy to complete
• researcher presence can ensure complete data

Question 6

What are the disadvantages of structured interviews?

Answer 6

• pre-specified response options
• do not give context
• not individual
• risk of researcher bias on interview content

Question 7

What are the advantages of semi-structured interviews?

Answer 7

• can measure and provide context
• can use one to build on the other
• can find out about different aspects of the same issue
• triangulates data = more robust

Question 8

What are the disadvantages of semi-structured interview?

Answer 8

• not many - mainly comes down to quality of design

- risk of researcher bias on interview content and process

Question 9

What are the advantages of unstructured interview?

Answer 9

• captures understanding of an issue from the perspective of the participant in their own words
• researcher can clarify issues at the time of interview

Question 10

What are the disadvantages of unstructured interviews?

Answer 10

• time consuming and therefore expensive
• data analysis
• lengthy and difficult
• risk of researcher bias on interviewer content and process

Question 11

How is validity and reliability maintained in structured interviews?

Answer 11

• interview development based on best evidence/expert opinion/ public consultation
• all possible response options addressed
• piloted prior to full study use to identify errors
• interviewer honesty

Question 12

How is credibility and trustworthiness in unstructured interviews maintained?

Answer 12

• interview “schedule” provided
• at analysis, findings “fit” with intention of interview
• evidence of researcher reflexivity and maintenance of field notes; bias made apparent
• findings more likely to be believed if data captures in conducive surroundings
• interviewer experience increases credibility

Question 13

What form of interview does quantitative research use?

Answer 13

Structured