The semi structured interview is a qualitative data collection strategy in which the researcher asks informants a series of predetermined but openended questions. Pdf generating information on the behaviours, characteristics and drivers of users, as well on the resource itself, is vital. The interviewers is thus free to leave certain questions out, mix the order of questions. As no research interview lacks structure most of the qualitative research interviews are either semi structured.
To increase accuracy even further, we recommend including more raters or using a panel interview format. Semi structured interviews center around a mixed framework of general themes and preestablished questions, which can be adapted in the context of individual sessions. The semi structured interview schedule consisted of both closed and open ended questions. Using structured interviewing techniques gaopemd10.
Semi structured interviews were conducted with each member of the mortgages services unit staff msu. This reissued version, prepared by kenneth litkowski, supersedes the version published in 1985. The semi structured indepth interview i will be focusing on semi structured indepth interviews in this book is similar to a conversation in that there are two individuals discussing a topic of mutual interest and ideally the discussion is relaxed, open and honest mason, 1998. A semistructured interview is a meeting in which the interviewer does not strictly follow a formalized list of questions. Oct 11, 2016 0 semistructured interview the key to understanding how a semistructured interview is carried out is to look at the name.
Interviews that are conducted for qualitative research rely for their quality on the nature of the interactions with the interviewees. Wording the questions in the same way for each respondent is sometimes called standardising. Mastering the semistructured interview and beyondoffers an indepth and captivating stepbystep guide to the use of semi structured interviews in qualitative research. The advantages and disadvantages of structured interviews. Semistructured interviews also allow informants the freedom to express their views in their own terms. How and why might a semistructured interview be used in qualitative research. Semi structured interviews may be conducted in y various modes face to face, by telephone, videophone but face to face is probably best a great deal of qualitative research grounded theory, thematic analysis, etc uses semi structured interview material the semi structured interview benefits and disadvantages pdf what. And since hivaids is a sensitive and personal topic, an availability sampling method was used. The interviewers is thus free to leave certain questions out, mix the order of questions, or ask certain standard questions in different ways depending on context. How to do great semistructured interviews tools4dev. Advantages and disadvantages of four interview techniques in qualitative research electronic journal.
Aspects of the approach reported herein may differ from traditional methods seeburnard et al. The method allows the researcher to collect openended. Semistructured interviews are conducted with a fairly open framework, which allow for focused, conversational, twoway communication. Pdf the use of semistructured interviews for the characterisation. This chapter begins with a discussion on the disadvantages and advantages of ssis. Structured versus semistructured versus unstructured interviews. You dont know exactly what questions to ask on a survey and need more insight to understand stakeholder viewpoints. Semistructured indepth interviews are commonly used in qualitative research and are the most frequent qualitative data source in health services research.
Unstructured interviews are difficult to repeat if you need to test the reliability of the data. Semi structured interviews are particularly useful for collecting information. Qualitative research interviewing sage publications ltd. Because structured interviews predict performance better than unstructured, and provide more detailed jobrelated documentation, they are markedly more defensible in court. The use of semistructured interviews for the characterisation of. Interviewers using the semi structured interview approach generally follow a document called an interview guide or interview schedule that includes the following. The interview effect and the interviewee effect may occur see structured interviews. A semi structured interview falls somewhere between a fully structured survey and an unstructured, casual conversation. Id also caution that semi structured interviewing is a very difficult process, and benefits majorly from practice. By definition, a semistructured interview needs to have some structure, although that structure should be.
This guide provides an overview and comparison of different job interview types and explains how to conduct each of them in a few simple steps. Albeit the disadvantages accompanied with semi structured interviews as a method of data collection, they were selected in this study due to the fact that they offer convenience in data collection cohen and crabtree, 2006. Using structured interviewing techniques is one of a. This would provide an overview of both the processes involved and the role of personnel. Advantages and disadvantages of four interview techniques in qualitative research interview is important for the interviewer, even if the interview is tape recorded. Summarise the advantages and disadvantages of faceto face. The aim of this case study is to highlight the importance of piloting or pretesting the research design in this case, semi structured interviews and narratives.
Difference between structured, unstructured and semi. The interviewer follows a guideline but is able to follow topical trajectories in the conversation that may stray from the guide when it seems appropriate. The structure in this interview method comes in the form of the interview guide that is planned beforehand. Even though a semistructured interview has several advantages, it needs time for the. A significant advantage of semistructured interviews. The purpose of this structured interviewing guide is to provide an overview of a methodology for the development and administration of structured interviews. A semistructured interview has been referred to as a conversation with a purpose burgess, 1984, the characteristics of. Robert schinke, in dictionary of sport psychology, 2019. The indepth qualitative interview has been adopted by many researchers within the social sciences, as a means to gain an insight into how people make sense of their world. Advantages and disadvantages of four interview techniques in qualitative research place. Semi structured interviewing is an important tool for gathering data in qualitative research.
According to oakley, qualitative interview is a type of framework in which the practices and standards be not only recorded, but also achieved, challenged and as well as reinforced. Informants will get the freedom to express their views. Semistructured interviewing in primary care research. Mastering the semi structured interview and beyondoffers an indepth and captivating stepbystep guide to the use of semi structured interviews in qualitative research. While a structured interview has a rigorous set of questions which does not allow one to divert, a semi structured.
Describe the skills required to undertake a structured, semistructured or unstructured interview. A semistructured interview is a method of research used most often in the social sciences. One could argue that msn messenger and telephone interviews are characterised by synchronous communication in cyberspace. Pdf the use of semistructured interviews in qualitative. Pdf the joys and challenges of semistructured interviewing. This means it has some structure, but theres freedom. The researcher has more control over the topics of the interview than in unstructured interviews, but in contrast to. The fact that semi structured interviews and selfreport questionnaires have traditionally been used in the assessment of personality disorders should not imply that they are the best sources of information. The use of semi structured interviews for the characterisation of farmer irrigation practices tion accounts for some 70% of total groundwater and surface water withdrawals wisser et al. A semi structured interview combines predefined questions like those used in structured interviews see chapter 1 with the openended exploration of an unstructured interview see chapter 3. Id also caution that semistructured interviewing is a very difficult process, and benefits majorly from practice. In contrast, semi structured interviews are those indepth interviews where the respondents have to answer preset openended questions and thus are widely employed by different healthcare professionals in their research. The advantages and disadvantages of each method will be dealt with, briefly. Hopefully these points will help demystify qualitative interview guides, and help you craft a useful tool to shape your semistructured interviews.
However, they are frequently used to generate quantitative rather semi structured interviews. This allows the interviewer to be prepared and appear competent during the interview. Th e structured interview is at the quantitative end of the scale, and more used in survey approaches. One structured interview can provide the same amount of accurate information as four unstructured interviews making your hiring process not only more accurate, but more efficient. Semistructured and structured interviews are employed primarily to diagnose specific anxiety. Hopefully these points will help demystify qualitative interview guides, and help you craft a useful tool to shape your semi structured interviews. Because realistic, accurate information about a clients behavior may not be obtained from the clients themselves, it is often useful to. A al oduction h iewing alan morris sage publications ltd. This is the most common format of data collection in qualitative research.
This method typically consists of a dialogue between researcher and participant, guided by a flexible interview protocol and supplemented by followup questions, probes and comments. One benefit of conducting interviews or focus groups, especially with oversampled popu. Structured and unstructured interviews simply psychology. The objective of each interview was to obtain information on the job role of each person and hisher experience. With the help of semistructured interview questions, the interviewers can easily collect information on a specific topic. Aug 10, 2015 this chapter begins with a discussion on the disadvantages and advantages of ssis. Advantages and disadvantages of four interview techniques in qualitative. The authors developed an introductory short course on qualitative research methods. A useful concept in describing types of interview is the continuum. Structured interview questions are the most common type used in surveying interviewing. Semi structured interviews are a widely used technique in development research.
Structured interviews are easy to replicate as a fixed set of closed questions are used, which are easy to quantify this means it is easy to test for reliability. Semistructured interview an overview sciencedirect topics. Unlike a structured interview which contains a series of set questions asked the same. The semistructured interview is a qualitative data collection strategy in which the researcher asks informants a series of predetermined but openended questions.
In this context, sampson was struck by the many unanticipated benefits 4 of using a vignettebased interview compared with the more standard semistructured interviews she was used to undertaking on board. Semi structured interviews are superbly suited for a number of valuable tasks, particularly when more than a few of the. Interviews, questionnaires and observation constantinos n. Semi structured interviews are superbly suited for a number of valuable. Bradley th is course provides an overview of two types of qualitative data collection methodologies. Name of method focused semistructured interviews brief outline of method this technique is used to collect qualitative data by setting up a situation the interview that allows a respondent the time and scope to talk about their opinions on a particular subject. Download pdf show page numbers semistructured interviewing is an overarching term used to describe a range of different forms of interviewing most. Explain what are the connections between the qualities of a semi structured interview and the example of research in the. Semi structured, indepth interviews are utilized extensively as interviewing format possibly with an individual or sometimes.
Semistructured interviews provide an effective and feasible research method for. Using interviews in a research project simmons college. This means a large sample can be obtained resulting in the findings being representative and having the ability to be generalized to a large population. Semi structured interviews and focus groups margaret c. Jan 24, 2018 there are 3 different types of job interviews. What might be the limitations of using a semistructured interview in this context. Its best to use a semi structured interview under the following circumstances. Phellas, alice bloch and clive seale 11 chapter contents interviews or selfcompletion questionnaires.
If taperecording an interview is out of the question, consider having a notetaker present during the interview. They will ask more openended questions, allowing for a discussion with the interviewee rather than a straightforward question and answer format. Oct 17, 2015 a semi structured interview is a method of research used in the social sciences. Th e rest of the scale, semi structured and unstructured, is the area occupied. Nov 30, 2019 a semi structured interview is a meeting in which the interviewer does not strictly follow a formalized list of questions. Semi structured interviews are a social activity where two or more persons actively engage in embodied talk, jointly constructing knowledge about themselves and the social world as they interact with each other over time, in a certain place, and through a range of senses. Interviews, however, can be nonscheduled, though still partly standardised.
Think about the benefits of having a conversational style interview in the particular context of the research level three. Benefits many researchers like to use semistructured interviews because questions can be prepared ahead of time. Semistructured interviews are superbly suited for a number of valuable tasks, particularly when more than a few of the. Types of interview 2 structured or standardised interviews semi structured interviews unstructured or indepth interviews facetoface interviews telephone interviews focus group interviews section 2. The use of semistructured interviews in qualitative research. One of the most common problems with semi structured interviews done by program staff is that the interviewer mixes in their personal opinions when they are taking notes. Semistructured interviews and focus groups rand corporation.
Th e course does not aim to cover all the aspects of interviewing and focus groups, but rather it is designed to provide an overview of these methods, as well as some practical tools. A structured interview is an interview that has a set of predefined questions and the questions would be asked in the same order for all respondents. This paper explores some of the joys and challenges associated with research interviewing. Asking the questions in the same order is called scheduling. Using interviews in a research project table of contents page introduction 1 section 1. However, they are frequently used to generate quantitative rather semistructured interviews. Structured interviews are fairly quick to conduct which means that many interviews can take place within a short amount of time. Pdf advantages and disadvantages of four interview. The importance of piloting or pretesting semistructured. This document provides an annotated version of the course material, which includes an overview of semi structured interviews and focus groups, two techniques that are commonly used in policy research and applicable to many research questions. Qualitative research methodinterviewing and observation.
Summarise the advantages and disadvantages of facetoface. It provides fundamental information as well as advice to help hiring managers and human resources hr specialists get the most out of structured interviews. Advantages and disadvantages of four interview techniques. Some possible factors that might be important to think about could be. However, we believe semi structured interviews provide. What needs to be considered before collecting data through semistructured interviews. By tracing the life of an actual research projectan exploration of a school districts effort over 40 years to address racial equalityas a consistent example threaded across. Pdf structured versus semistructured versus unstructured. Structured interviews use a questionnaire format with closed questions and can be beneficial, particularly when participants have either a speech or language impairment. If you are unclear about the differences between them or unsure which one to use, youve come to the right place. One benefit of conducting interviews or focus groups, especially with over sampled popu. Pdf the use of semistructured interviews in qualitative research. Unique in its conceptual coherence and the level of practical detail, this book provides a comprehensive resource for those concerned with the practice of semi structured interviewing, the most commonly used interview approach in social research, and in particular for indepth, biographic narrative interviewing.
Most textbooks offer minimal guidance about pretesting the research design, and published reports rarely report whether the research was piloted and, if so, what were the results. This is sometimes called a semi structured interview. This study relied heavily on the semi structured interview format. Feminist researchers have advocated the use of indepth semi structured interviews in order to give voice to those individuals who are. In this context, sampson was struck by the many unanticipated benefits 4 of using a vignettebased interview compared with the more standard semi structured interviews she was used to undertaking on board.
Semistructured interviews are a staple of international development programs. How does thinking about analysis before questioning help or hinder interviewing practice. What needs to be considered before collecting data through semi structured interviews. As cyberspace is defined as the noplace morse, 1998, communication in a virtual place brings. Designing a semistructured interview guide for qualitative. Describe what are the key qualities of a semistructured interview. Semi structured interviews are conducted with a fairly open framework which allows focused, conversational, twoway communication. Despite the disadvantages and costs of ssis, they offer some extraordinary benefits as well.
West lothian council 2004 the semi structured interview is the most common form of interviewing people and is a common and useful tool in the exploring phase of a planned sswm intervention. Many researchers like to use semistructured interviews because questions can be prepared ahead of time. Pdf conducting semistructured interviews researchgate. The process is more complex, more time consuming and more expensive than a structured approach. How should the strengths and weaknesses of the method be evaluated. Th ese techniques are commonly used in policy research and are applicable to many research questions. Unlike formal interviews, which follow a rigid format of set questions, semi structured interviews focus on specific themes but cover them in a conversational style. When the researcher is female a further layer of distance and scepticism sometimes incredulity is added.