Semi-structured interview

Definition

A semi-structured interview is a qualitative data collection method that combines the flexibility of open-ended questions with the focus of predetermined questions. This approach allows the interviewer to guide the conversation while also encouraging participants to express their thoughts and feelings in their own words, making it a valuable tool for exploring complex topics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Semi-structured interviews typically use an interview guide that outlines key questions, but allows for flexibility in how those questions are asked and in what order.
2. This method is particularly useful for exploratory research, where understanding participants' perspectives is crucial.
3. The interviewer plays an active role in facilitating the discussion, prompting participants to elaborate on their responses when necessary.
4. Semi-structured interviews can lead to richer data as they balance between guided inquiry and open conversation.
5. Data collected from semi-structured interviews often requires thematic analysis to identify patterns and insights from participants' responses.

Review Questions

• How does a semi-structured interview differ from structured and unstructured interviews in terms of flexibility and data collection?
  • A semi-structured interview offers a middle ground between structured and unstructured formats. Unlike structured interviews, which adhere strictly to predetermined questions, semi-structured interviews allow for flexibility and follow-up questions based on participant responses. Conversely, while unstructured interviews promote open dialogue without a set framework, they may lack focus. This unique combination in semi-structured interviews helps researchers gather rich qualitative data while still maintaining some level of control over the interview process.
• Discuss the advantages of using semi-structured interviews in qualitative research compared to other data collection methods.
  • Semi-structured interviews provide several advantages in qualitative research. They encourage participants to share their views and experiences in depth, which can lead to richer insights compared to quantitative methods like surveys. The flexible format allows researchers to probe deeper into responses, fostering a more natural conversation that can reveal underlying motivations and attitudes. This method also enables researchers to adapt questions on-the-fly based on participant responses, leading to more relevant and contextual data collection.
• Evaluate the role of the interviewer in semi-structured interviews and how their skills can impact the quality of data collected.
  • The interviewer plays a crucial role in semi-structured interviews as their skills directly influence the quality of the data collected. A skilled interviewer can create a comfortable environment that encourages openness, allowing participants to express themselves freely. Effective probing techniques and active listening can help uncover deeper insights and clarify ambiguous responses. Conversely, an inexperienced interviewer may unintentionally lead participants or fail to engage them effectively, resulting in superficial data. Thus, the interviewer’s abilities are essential for maximizing the potential of this qualitative research method.

Related terms

structured interview: A structured interview follows a strict format with predetermined questions and limited opportunities for follow-up, ensuring consistency across interviews but often missing deeper insights.

unstructured interview: An unstructured interview is a more informal and open-ended approach where the interviewer has little to no predefined questions, allowing for spontaneous dialogue but potentially leading to less focused data.

qualitative research: Qualitative research is a method of inquiry that seeks to understand human behavior and experiences through non-numerical data, often using methods like interviews and focus groups.