Structured Interview

Definition

A structured interview is a systematic method of questioning where the interviewer follows a predetermined set of questions, allowing for consistency and reliability in the data collected. This format helps ensure that all interviewees are asked the same questions in the same order, which aids in comparing responses across different subjects. It is particularly useful for obtaining specific information and maintaining focus during the conversation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Structured interviews are often used in research settings to gather quantitative data, as they facilitate statistical analysis of responses.
2. The use of a script in structured interviews helps reduce interviewer bias by standardizing the way questions are posed to each participant.
3. They can be less flexible than unstructured interviews, as they do not allow for spontaneous follow-up questions based on a participant's answers.
4. Structured interviews can help establish a clear framework for the interview process, ensuring that all relevant topics are covered thoroughly.
5. This interview format is commonly used in job interviews and surveys because it provides clear guidelines for both the interviewer and the interviewee.

Review Questions

• How does the use of structured interviews enhance the reliability of data collected during research?
  • Structured interviews enhance reliability by ensuring that each participant is asked the same questions in the same order. This consistency reduces variability in responses due to differences in questioning styles and allows researchers to compare data more effectively. By minimizing biases and maintaining a uniform approach, structured interviews lead to more dependable and comparable results.
• Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using structured interviews compared to unstructured interviews in news reporting.
  • Structured interviews provide clear advantages such as consistency, ease of analysis, and reduction of bias. However, they can limit depth of insight since they do not allow for follow-up questions or exploration of unexpected topics. Unstructured interviews, while more flexible and capable of revealing nuanced perspectives, may lead to inconsistencies in data collection. The choice between these methods depends on the goals of the reporting: whether to gather quantitative data or explore qualitative insights.
• Design an effective structured interview for a news story on local community issues, highlighting key elements you would include.
  • To design an effective structured interview for a news story on local community issues, I would start by developing a set of focused questions that address specific areas such as public safety, local services, and community engagement. Key elements would include demographic questions to understand who is being interviewed, followed by a series of closed-ended questions for quantitative insights on residents' satisfaction with services. Additionally, I would include a few open-ended questions at the end to capture any unique concerns or suggestions from participants. This combination ensures that I gather consistent data while still allowing space for individual voices.

Related terms

Open-Ended Questions: Questions that allow respondents to answer in their own words, providing richer and more detailed responses.

Closed-Ended Questions: Questions that limit responses to specific options, such as yes/no or multiple-choice, making it easier to quantify answers.

Interview Guide: A list of questions or topics to cover during an interview, which can be used in structured or semi-structured formats to ensure comprehensive coverage.