Structured interview

Definition

A structured interview is a systematic method of questioning where the interviewer asks a set list of predetermined questions in a specific order. This format allows for consistency and comparability across different interviews, making it easier to analyze responses. By adhering to a structured approach, interviewers can minimize biases and ensure that all relevant topics are covered, leading to more reliable data collection.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Structured interviews often use closed-ended questions that can be quantitatively analyzed, making them suitable for large-scale research.
2. This type of interview is commonly used in research studies, job interviews, and surveys to ensure uniformity in responses.
3. The rigid format of structured interviews can limit the depth of responses but enhances reliability by reducing interviewer influence.
4. Structured interviews can help in identifying patterns and trends across multiple respondents due to their standardized nature.
5. Training is essential for interviewers conducting structured interviews to ensure they adhere to the format and minimize personal biases.

Review Questions

• How does a structured interview improve the reliability of data collected during research?
  • A structured interview improves the reliability of data collection by ensuring that every respondent is asked the same set of predetermined questions in the same order. This consistency minimizes variations that could arise from differing interviewer styles or question phrasing, allowing researchers to compare results more effectively. The uniform approach also reduces the potential for biases that may occur in less structured formats, resulting in more accurate and trustworthy data.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using structured interviews compared to semi-structured and unstructured interviews.
  • Structured interviews offer advantages such as consistency, ease of analysis, and reduced bias, making them ideal for quantitative research. However, they can limit the depth of responses since they do not allow for follow-up questions or spontaneous discussions. In contrast, semi-structured interviews provide flexibility and richer insights but may introduce variability that complicates analysis. Unstructured interviews allow for extensive exploration of topics but can lead to inconsistencies and challenges in data comparison.
• Evaluate how the use of structured interviews can impact the quality of information gathered in various contexts such as job recruitment or academic research.
  • The use of structured interviews significantly enhances the quality of information gathered in contexts like job recruitment or academic research by providing clear criteria for evaluating candidates or participants. In job recruitment, this format ensures that all applicants are assessed against the same benchmarks, promoting fairness and objectivity. In academic research, standardized questions facilitate systematic comparisons across diverse groups, leading to more generalizable findings. However, while structured interviews provide valuable data consistency, they might miss nuanced insights that could emerge from more open-ended formats, which can be crucial for certain contexts.

Related terms

unstructured interview: An unstructured interview is a more flexible questioning approach where the interviewer has the freedom to ask any questions that come to mind, leading to a more conversational style.

semi-structured interview: A semi-structured interview combines elements of both structured and unstructured interviews, featuring a mix of predetermined questions and the flexibility to explore topics in greater depth.

interview guide:

An interview guide is a tool that outlines the questions and topics to be covered during an interview, serving as a roadmap for the interviewer.