Research-instruments: Interviews

Research-instruments: Interviews

1. Definition

   • Interviews give the researcher more information on the meaning and importance of what is happening. The interview development process begins by broadly indicating the questions which you’d like to ask. The number, type and format of your questions will be informed by the level of structure to be imposed on the interview. Interviews are traditionally less structured than other research instruments, such as questionnaires.

2. Types

   • There are three models of interviews: the unstructured interview; the semi-structured interview; and the structured interview.
     • The unstructured interview is a very flexible approach. Areas of interest are established by the researcher but the discussion of issues is guided by the interviewee
     • There is less flexibility with the semi-structured interview. The interviewer directs the interview more closely. . More questions are predetermined than with the unstructured interview, though there is sufficient flexibility to allow the interviewee an opportunity to shape the flow of information
     • Some see the structured interview as no more than a questionnaire that is completed face-to-face. The interviewer has control over the order of questions, all of which are predetermined.

3. Data Analysis

   • The final stage of the interview process begins by drawing together the data collected and structuring them in such a way as to make ready for analysis.
     • In small-scale work, this would typically involve grouping the responses to each question from all interviewees to make comparison between respondents easy (the cut-and-paste function of most wordprocessors is ideal for this)
       • Approach allows themes, issues and concerns to be easily identified and quantified. When analysing a large number of interview transcripts it may be necessary to utilise the functions of computer-based tools.

4. Uses

   • This pocket-sized text provides a succinct analysis of the uses of the research interview. The book opens by exploring the nature of the interview and its use as a fundamental research tool. It presents the case for and that against using interviews, and provides a great deal of advice on framing questions, organising and managing the interview, and piloting. In addition, the text provides a useful summary of key approaches to the analysis of interview data, with a particular focus on content analysis.
     • Gary Anderson’s text covers a number of issues of interest to the social sciences researcher, and includes a short chapter focusing on the uses of the interview as a research technique. His clear style presents the essential points to bear in mind when considering the use of interviews within a research project. The chapter briefly summarises the types of interview, planning considerations, interviewer skills and methods of controlling the interview.