Interviews

• define an interview

  -A self report method that involves a researcher asking questions to participants (typically one-to-one) and recording their responses.
• outline a structured interview

  -Quantitative research method​

  -Pre-written set of closed questions (interview schedule)​

  -Standardised format
• outline an unstructured interview

  -Qualitative data​

  -Open ended questions ​

  -Conversational ​

  -Modifies questions as interview unfolds
• outline semi structured interview

  -Falls in between structured and unstructured ​

  -An interview schedule is prepared, but interviewers are able to deviate and ask follow up questions.
• strengths of structured

  -This interview type is standardised and thus easier to replicate (= reliable).

  -This type is quicker to conduct thus meaning a larger sample can be used.
• weaknesses of structured

  -This type has limited scope due to its strict interview schedule.

  -The use of only closed questions limits the potential answers of ppts and provides only quantitative data.

  -social desirability bias
• strengths of unstructured

  -This type gathers qualitative data and so, can gain deeper insight into ppts answers/views.​

  -This type is flexible and allows for more follow up and elaboration.

  -This type has increased validity.
• weakness of unstructured

  -It is expensive to train interviewers to equip them with the skills required for this type of interview.

  -​It is time consuming to conduct and analyse findings from this type of interview.

  -social desirability bias
• what is the interviewer effect

  -An interviewers’ gender, ethnicity, body language, age etc. can all create an interviewer effect.​

  -As well as the way they ask questions and react to answers, e.g., leading questions.
• ways to avoid interviewer effect involve

  -neutral tone of voice

  -avoid leading questions

  -standardised interview procedures

  -double blind :interviewer doesn't know hypothesis ppt does not know aim
• when designing interviews

  -have an Interview schedule:​

  -A list of set structured questions that have been pre-prepared to guide interviewers in their interview.
• interviews can record

  -answers by taking notes or record interviewer’s responses and transcribe them for analysis at a later date.

  -important that interviewers make ppts comfortable so they answer honestly.
• interviewers need to consider

  -the ethics of their interview and maintain confidentiality.
• interviews should avoid the

  -Overuse of jargon​

  -Emotive language​

  -Leading questions​

  -Double barrelled or double negatives in their questions.