Structured interview

Definition

A structured interview is a research method that involves a set of predetermined questions that are asked in a specific order, ensuring consistency and reliability in the data collected. This type of interview is designed to gather specific information while minimizing the influence of interviewer bias, allowing for a more objective analysis of the responses. The structured format also facilitates comparison across different interviews and makes data analysis easier.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Structured interviews are commonly used in quantitative research, enabling researchers to gather comparable data across different respondents.
2. The consistency in questioning helps reduce variations that could arise from different interviewer styles or approaches.
3. These interviews often include closed-ended questions with specific response options, making it easier to analyze results statistically.
4. Structured interviews require careful planning and pre-testing to ensure that the questions are clear and effective in eliciting the desired information.
5. Due to their standardized nature, structured interviews can facilitate large-scale studies, such as surveys or assessments, providing robust data for analysis.

Review Questions

• How does a structured interview differ from other types of interviews in terms of data collection?
  • A structured interview differs from other types by utilizing a fixed set of predetermined questions asked in a specific order. This format ensures consistency and reliability, making it easier to compare responses across different participants. In contrast, unstructured interviews allow for more flexibility and open-ended responses, which can lead to varied interpretations and less standardized data collection.
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of using structured interviews for gathering information in research?
  • The advantages of using structured interviews include increased reliability, ease of data analysis, and reduced interviewer bias. They allow researchers to systematically collect comparable data across different subjects. However, disadvantages include the potential for missing nuanced responses due to the rigid question format and limited depth of understanding if the questions do not cover all relevant aspects.
• Evaluate how the use of structured interviews can impact the overall quality of research findings.
  • The use of structured interviews can significantly enhance the quality of research findings by providing reliable and consistent data that can be easily analyzed. By minimizing interviewer bias and standardizing questions, researchers are better positioned to draw accurate conclusions. However, it's essential to balance this structure with the need for depth; overly rigid formats may overlook important qualitative insights that could enrich understanding. Thus, while structured interviews enhance reliability, they should be thoughtfully designed to ensure comprehensive data capture.

Related terms

unstructured interview: An unstructured interview is a flexible interviewing style that allows for open-ended questions and free-flowing conversation, focusing on the interviewee's perspective without a rigid framework.

semi-structured interview: A semi-structured interview combines elements of both structured and unstructured interviews, featuring a set of predefined questions but allowing for follow-up questions based on the interviewee's responses.

questionnaire: A questionnaire is a research instrument consisting of a series of questions used to gather information from respondents, often in written form, which can be analyzed quantitatively.