Semi-structured interview

Definition

A semi-structured interview is a qualitative research method that combines both pre-determined questions and the flexibility to explore topics in-depth as they arise during the conversation. This approach allows the interviewer to maintain a focus on specific subjects while also adapting to the flow of dialogue, encouraging interviewees to share their thoughts and experiences more freely. It strikes a balance between structured interviews, which follow a strict format, and unstructured interviews, which are more open-ended and free-form.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Semi-structured interviews typically start with a set of core questions but allow for follow-up questions based on the interviewee's responses.
2. This type of interview is especially useful for exploratory research where in-depth understanding of a subject is needed.
3. The flexibility of semi-structured interviews enables interviewers to probe deeper into specific topics that may be relevant to the discussion.
4. They can be conducted in various formats, including face-to-face, over the phone, or through video conferencing.
5. Data gathered from semi-structured interviews is often analyzed qualitatively, focusing on themes and patterns in responses.

Review Questions

• How does the flexibility of semi-structured interviews benefit researchers in gathering information?
  • The flexibility of semi-structured interviews allows researchers to adapt their questions based on the interviewee's responses, which can lead to more detailed and insightful information. This adaptability encourages participants to elaborate on their thoughts and experiences, providing richer qualitative data. By creating an open dialogue, interviewers can explore unexpected topics that may emerge during the conversation, ultimately enhancing the depth of understanding regarding the research subject.
• Compare and contrast semi-structured interviews with structured and unstructured interviews regarding their effectiveness in different research scenarios.
  • Semi-structured interviews blend elements from both structured and unstructured interviews, making them versatile for different research scenarios. While structured interviews provide consistency across responses, they may limit the depth of information gathered. In contrast, unstructured interviews offer freedom but can lead to difficulties in analyzing data due to their unpredictable nature. Semi-structured interviews strike a balance, allowing for guided discussions while still enabling exploration of relevant issues as they arise, making them particularly effective for exploratory research where context matters.
• Evaluate the role of semi-structured interviews in qualitative research design and their impact on data quality and interpretation.
  • Semi-structured interviews play a crucial role in qualitative research design by facilitating in-depth exploration of participants' perspectives and experiences. Their flexible nature enhances data quality by allowing researchers to gather rich, nuanced information that might be missed in more rigid formats. This depth not only enriches the analysis but also informs interpretations that reflect participants' true sentiments and contexts. Consequently, semi-structured interviews contribute significantly to understanding complex social phenomena and ensuring that findings are grounded in real-world experiences.

Related terms

Structured Interview: A structured interview is a data collection method that uses a standardized set of questions, allowing for limited flexibility in how they are asked or answered.

Unstructured Interview:

An unstructured interview is a qualitative research method that involves open-ended questions and conversations without a specific framework or set agenda.

Qualitative Research: Qualitative research is a method used to gather non-numerical data, focusing on understanding human behavior, experiences, and perspectives through various forms of inquiry.