Structured Interviews

• Conversation between the researcher and the participant

  The participant answers questions about the research topic
• Standardised


  When a researcher asks the same set of questions to every participant
• Interview schedule


  A list of pre-set questions written by the interviewer prior to a structured interview
• Interviewer bias


  When the values and beliefs of the researcher influence the response of the interviewee. The interviewer might ask leading questions in order to encourage particular responses from a respondent
• Types of data


  • primary
  • secondary
  • qualitative
  • quantitative
  • reliable
  • valid
• Practical


  • Data is easy to analyse as the questions are standardised
  • Structured nature of the interview means they're quick to conduct
  • Can be used with a larger sample than unstructured interviews as they are less time consuming
• Ethical


  • May be unsuitable for sensitive topics due to the formalities of lack of rapport
• Theoretical factors


  • Higher response rate than questionnaires as the interviewer is present so respondents can be persuaded to take part