One-on-one interviews

Definition

One-on-one interviews are structured or semi-structured conversations between an interviewer and a respondent, aimed at gathering in-depth qualitative data. This method allows for personal interaction, fostering a comfortable environment where respondents can share their thoughts and experiences freely. These interviews can reveal insights that may not surface in group settings, making them valuable for understanding individual perspectives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. One-on-one interviews provide deep insights by allowing respondents to express their feelings and thoughts in a detailed manner.
2. These interviews can be tailored to meet specific research goals, giving the interviewer the flexibility to adapt questions based on responses.
3. They are particularly effective for exploring sensitive topics where respondents may feel more comfortable discussing issues privately.
4. One-on-one interviews often require careful planning and skilled interviewing techniques to ensure effective data collection.
5. Data gathered from one-on-one interviews can complement quantitative data, offering a richer understanding of the subject matter.

Review Questions

• How do one-on-one interviews enhance the understanding of individual perspectives in curriculum data collection?
  • One-on-one interviews enhance the understanding of individual perspectives by creating a safe space for respondents to express their thoughts and feelings. This method allows interviewers to gather nuanced insights that may be overlooked in broader surveys or group discussions. Through direct engagement, interviewers can ask follow-up questions based on responses, leading to deeper understanding and richer data that reflects unique viewpoints within the curriculum.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of one-on-one interviews compared to focus groups in collecting curriculum data.
  • One-on-one interviews are often more effective than focus groups for collecting sensitive information since respondents may feel more at ease discussing personal opinions without the pressure of peer dynamics. Unlike focus groups, which can lead to dominant voices overshadowing quieter participants, one-on-one interviews ensure that each respondent's views are fully articulated. However, focus groups can foster interaction and generate collective ideas, making both methods useful depending on the context and research goals.
• Propose a strategy for integrating one-on-one interviews with other data collection methods in curriculum development research.
  • To integrate one-on-one interviews with other data collection methods in curriculum development research, a mixed-methods approach could be utilized. Start by conducting surveys to gather quantitative data from a large sample, which helps identify key themes or areas of interest. Following this, select specific respondents based on survey results for in-depth one-on-one interviews. This allows researchers to explore those themes further, providing rich qualitative data that explains the 'why' behind the survey results and creates a comprehensive understanding of curricular needs.

Related terms

Qualitative Research: A research method focused on understanding human behavior and the reasons that govern such behavior, often through open-ended questions and in-depth analysis.

Data Collection: The systematic gathering of information for analysis, which can include various methods such as surveys, interviews, and observations.

Interview Protocol: A set of guidelines or questions designed to facilitate the interview process, ensuring consistency while allowing for flexibility to explore emerging topics.