interviews - RM

• Interviews are an alternative method for asking questions.  They differ from questionnaires in their face to face nature.

   

  They are particularly useful for gathering more detailed information and enabling a more natural and flexible approach to questioning.

   

  The interviewer usually has certain topics that they want to explore.

   

  Interviews can utilise a range of techniques from highly structured to those which are very open in nature.  Generally the more the researcher already knows about the topic and range of possible answers, the more structured the interview becomes.
• Structured Interviews – Typically, structured interviews are standardised so that all respondents are asked the same questions in the same way, often using closed questions which gather quantitative data. There is no need to establish a rapport (relationship) between the researcher and respondent and therefore they are easy to administer and can be very quick. However, the data gathered can be superficial and lack depth. The respondent may feel that they have not been given an opportunity to express their opinions fully.
• Semi-structured interview.  Here the interviewer may also use some of the same questions for all interviewees, but the order may vary.  In addition, the interviewer may also follow up questions to clarify the interviewee’s responses or pursue new lines of enquiry. Researchers sometimes choose to interview a small group of people at the same time rather than individuals; these are known as focus groups.
• Unstructured interview -  an interview may ask the same sort of questions as in the structured interview, but the style is free-flowing rather than rigid. It is more conversational. Questions are adjusted according to how the interviewee is responding. You may even inject your own opinions or ideas in order to stimulate the interviewee's responses. Therefore, the unstructured interview requires much more skill and is much more complex.
• 1. A strength is that interviews can tackle sensitive topics.

   

  Interviews allow researchers to identify aspects of behaviour that are private or personal to the individual concerned (such as a fear of dying or concerns about sexual health and sexually transmitted diseases). 

   

  This is a strength as topics such as these would be more difficult to explore using more impersonal research techniques.
• 2) A strength is that unstructured interviews may encourage the participant to be honest in their answers.

   

  This is a strength because it can raise new lines of psychological enquiry.
• 1. A disadvantage is interpreting the data from interviews. 

   

  Misinterpretation or partial interpretation of data can occur. 

   

  This is a weakness because ideally the interviewer needs to be detached from the interviewee, which can be difficult to achieve in face to face situations where there is the potential for bias and subjectivity.
• 2) A disadvantage is the effects of interpersonal variables.

   

  A range of factors, including gender, ethnicity, personality, class and age of both the interviewer and interviewee can affect the interaction between the two.

   

  This is a weakness as it will affect the amount and quality of information provided in the course of the interview.