Definition
Interviews are a method of gathering information by directly questioning individuals. They can be structured, with a set list of questions, semi-structured, with some prepared questions but allowing for flexibility, or unstructured, with open-ended questions that encourage free-flowing conversation. Interviews are commonly used in research, journalism, and hiring processes to gain in-depth insights, personal experiences, and detailed responses from participants.
Types of Interviews
There are three main types of interviews: Structured Interviews, where pre-determined, standardized questions are asked in the same order to every respondent, resembling a questionnaire but administered in person; Unstructured Interviews, where questions evolve based on the conversation flow, allowing the interviewer to change their approach depending on the respondent’s answers, similar to an open conversation; and Semi-structured Interviews, which are a mix of structured and unstructured formats, where the researcher has a list of themes or questions but is free to ask follow-up questions based on the respondent’s answers.
Advantages of Interviews
Interviews can provide rich, detailed information, especially when they are unstructured or semi-structured.
The interviewer can adapt questions based on the flow of the conversation or the specifics of the interviewee.
If a respondent provides an unclear answer, the interviewer can ask for clarification immediately.
Interviewers can ask follow-up questions or delve deeper into specific areas.
Testing the interview questions on a small sample to refine them.
For structured interviews, maintaining consistent questioning is important.
Using multiple sources or methods to verify the information obtained from interviews.
Interviews are utilized in a wide range of settings, including academic research to explore new phenomena, understand human experiences, or delve into personal narratives; market research to understand consumer preferences, experiences, and motivations; journalism to gather information for stories and articles; and clinical settings to understand patient experiences or histories.
Collecting Data is Key
Collecting quality data via research is a key consideration. Deciding whom to interview is crucial, whether it be a random sample, convenience sample, or purposeful sample. Establishing trust with interviewees can lead to more candid and insightful responses. Ensuring confidentiality and acquiring informed consent from interviewees is essential. Deciding whether to record the interview (audio or video) or to take notes is important, and if recording, obtaining permission from the interviewee is necessary. If recorded, the interviews often need to be transcribed verbatim for detailed analysis. Data from interviews can be analysed in various ways, such as thematic analysis, grounded theory, or narrative analysis, among others.
Limitations
Interviews also have limitations. They can be time-consuming, as conducting and analysing interviews can be labour-intensive, especially with large sample sizes. There is a risk of subjectivity, with potential biases from both the interviewer (in how they pose questions or interpret answers) and the interviewee (who may provide socially desirable answers). Qualitative interviews with smaller, non-random samples might not be representative of the larger population, affecting generalizability. Additionally, recall bias can occur, as participants may not accurately remember past events or experiences