Group Interviews

• Interview


  The interviewer is asking questions to a group of participants
• Types of data


  • primary
  • secondary
  • qualitative
  • quantitative
  • reliable
  • valid
• Why would a sociologist use this method?

  • The sociologist is present which allows them to ensure that informed consent is given and the right to withdraw is explained
  • It allows the researcher to observe interactions between interviewees
  • It is less time consuming
• Limitations of the interview method

  • The interviewer needs to be carefully trained
  • The interviewer needs to have good personal skills to build trust and rapport while also managing the group
  • Social desirability is likely to occur
• Strength


  Positive aspect of a research method
• Limitation


  Negative aspect of a research method
• Strength: Obtaining insight


  • The interviewer can effectively obtain insight
• Limitation: Status problems


  • The interviewee may have a problem and see a status difference between themselves and the researcher, making them change their answers reducing validity
• Limitation: Socially desirable answers

  • The interviewees may feel under pressure to give socially desirable answers due to speaking to a group and feeling judged, reducing validity
• Strength: Confidence in a group


  • Participants may feel more comfortable answering questions when there are others answering the same questions, making them feel more confident
• Strength: Observing interactions


  • The researcher can observe all the participants interact with each other, giving deeper insight into class differences