Interviews Flashcards
(10 cards)
What are interviews
A method where researchers ask participants questions face-to-face (or via phone/video). There are structured, unstructured, group, and semi-structured types.
What are structured interviews
Pre set, closed questions asked in the same order
Favoured by positivists
Strengths of structured interviews
High reliability
Easy to compare/analyse
Cost-effective, quick
Limitations of structured interviews
Lacks depth and flexibility
Low validity
Can feel formal
What are unstructured interviews
Informal, open ended questions
Favoured by interpretivists
Strengths of unstructured interviews
High validity
Builds rapport and trust
Flexible
Limitations of unstructured interviews
Low reliability
Time consuming and expensive
Data harder to analyse
What are semi-structured interviews
Mix of structured/unstructured questions
Used in many modern studies
Strengths of semi-structured
Balanced - allows flexibility and structure
Combines reliability and validity
Allows probing for deeper insight
Limitations of semi-structured
Time consuming
Some inconsistency between interviews
