Flashcards
Unstructured interviews (informal)
Cards in this deck (9)
- 1Definition and how unstructured interviews are carried outIt is open ended questions lasting over a long period of time. There are a few or no pre-set questions, only general areas to talk about which loosely direct the interview. It is like a guided conversation, free flowing and informal. They are usually recorded (usually by tape or video). Flexibility is very important - it allows the respondent to lead the interview and discuss what they think is important.It is usually one on one.
- 2Interpretivists favour this method because: Theorectical- The informality of the interview allows rapport to be built up. This makes it likely for the validity of the findings will be high and is a good technique for sensitive areas e.g. domestic violence.
-Verstehen - it becomes possible to see things through the eyes of the interviewees and gain true empathy
-The findings are qualitative and indepth
-No premature closure
-Huge potential for flexibility
- No confusion over the question meanings - 3Give an example of sociologists who used this methodDobash and Dobash studied domestic violence. They built up a rapport with the victims as they spent a great deal of time in the refuges and became 'permanent fixtures' in the women's lives. Dobash and Dobash asked the women about their lives not just about the incidents of domestic violence (verstehen)
- 4Positivists do not favour this method because: Theorectical-The sample size tends to be small due to the detail and time consuming nature of this technique (lowers reliability)
-It is not systematic method
-It can lack objectivity. The way the questions are asked may affect the results (leading questions)
-Bias may occur
-Inequalities in power and status - 5Practical and other disadvantages of this method?-Extremely time consuming compared to other methods
-Unnatural and artificial experience
-Require a great deal of skill from the researcher
-It can be costly
-Safety predcautions have to taken on occassion
-Cultural differences between the interviewers and interviewees - 6Describe group interviewsThey are indepth studies with a small group of people. E.g. Willis' group interviews to uncover the counter school subculture of the 'lads'
- 7Advantages of group informal interviews-Participants may open up as they feel more comfortable talking with others or their peers, than in a one-to-one situation
-It allows richer and more reflective data to be collected as pps bounce ideas off eachother
-Group interviews are good for generating initial ideas that can be followed up in more detailed by later researcher - 8Disadvantages of group informal interviews- Some pps may dominate conversations; the researcher will only get to understand the viewpoint of one or a few members of the group
-They require a lot of skills
-Individual pps may become subject to peer group pressure, which may influence what is said. - 9General ethical considerations of informal interviews-Consequences for the interviewees - the interviewer must ensure that when the research is published it does not harm the group involved
-Informed consent - they must truly understand the purpose of the research
-Exploitation of the interviewee must be avoided (must try not to cause too much anxiety and distress)
-Protection from harm
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- A-level Sociology (Paper 1 and 3 - Research Methods and Theory) Flashcards on Unstructured interviews (informal), created by Catherine Rayner on 14/12/2017.
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- Catherine Rayner
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