SEMI-STRUCTURED INTERVIEWS

Question 1

What is a semi-structured interview?

Answer 1

-the questions are set in advance but the researcher is able to deviate from them in response tho the participants answers

Question 2

What are the strengths of semi-structured interviews?

Answer 2

• researcher is present to explain questions
  -flexible
  -verstehen

Question 3

What are the limitations of semi-structured interviews?

Answer 3

-lacks reliability
-socially desirable answers
-time consuming

Question 4

Example of semi- structured interviews used

Answer 4

Oakleys study-Housework and women’s experiences of domestic labour
Aim: To explore how married women experienced housework and child-rearing, and whether it was satisfying or oppressive.

-Advantages for Oakley’s study:
-Allows women to talk about housework in their own words
-Researcher can follow up on interesting points (e.g., “Why do you feel unappreciated?”)
Captures nuances, feelings, and meanings of domestic life