Structured interview

Definition

A structured interview is a systematic approach to interviewing that involves a predetermined set of questions designed to gather specific information in a consistent manner. This type of interview ensures that each participant is asked the same questions in the same order, allowing for easier comparison and analysis of responses. Structured interviews are commonly used in research, hiring processes, and surveys to ensure reliability and validity in the data collected.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Structured interviews are particularly useful for quantitative research as they provide standardized data that can be easily analyzed.
2. These interviews minimize bias by ensuring that each participant has the same experience, which enhances the credibility of the findings.
3. Structured interviews are often utilized in job recruitment processes to evaluate candidates consistently against the same criteria.
4. The rigidity of structured interviews can limit the depth of responses since participants may not be able to elaborate on their answers as freely as in unstructured formats.
5. Training interviewers on how to conduct structured interviews is crucial for maintaining consistency and neutrality throughout the process.

Review Questions

• How does a structured interview differ from an unstructured interview in terms of data collection and analysis?
  • A structured interview follows a fixed set of questions, making it easy to compare answers across participants, which is ideal for quantitative analysis. In contrast, an unstructured interview allows for open-ended dialogue, giving participants freedom to express their thoughts but making it challenging to analyze due to varying responses. The structured approach leads to more reliable data because it reduces variability in how questions are presented, enhancing the validity of conclusions drawn from the study.
• What are some advantages and disadvantages of using structured interviews compared to semi-structured interviews?
  • Structured interviews provide consistency and reliability in data collection, making it easier to analyze results statistically. However, they may lack depth because they don’t allow for follow-up questions or probing deeper into responses. Semi-structured interviews offer flexibility, enabling interviewers to adapt based on participant responses while still covering key topics. This balance can lead to richer data but may introduce variability that complicates analysis.
• Evaluate how the use of structured interviews impacts the overall effectiveness of research studies.
  • The use of structured interviews significantly enhances the effectiveness of research studies by providing standardized responses that contribute to higher validity and reliability. This uniformity facilitates data comparison across different subjects, leading to clearer trends and conclusions. However, while they streamline data collection, researchers must balance this with potential limitations in response depth, which might overlook nuanced insights. Overall, structured interviews can strengthen research quality if designed thoughtfully with consideration for participant engagement.

Related terms

unstructured interview: An unstructured interview is a more flexible and open-ended approach to interviewing where the interviewer can ask spontaneous questions based on the flow of conversation.

semi-structured interview:

A semi-structured interview combines elements of both structured and unstructured interviews, allowing for a set of predetermined questions while also providing room for follow-up questions and discussion.

interview protocol: An interview protocol is a detailed plan or guide that outlines the questions and topics to be covered during an interview, ensuring consistency in data collection.