Module C

Question 1

What are semi-structured interviews?

Answer 1

A midpoint between unstructured and standardised open-ended interviews, where key questions and topic structure are pre-planned but the conversation is flexible

Question 2

What are advantages of semi-structured interviews?

Answer 2

Allow conversational flow while ensuring key topics are covered; good for exploratory research

Question 3

What are disadvantages of semi-structured interviews?

Answer 3

Balancing between open conversation and structured questioning

Question 4

What are the key steps in an interview guide or schedule?

Answer 4

1) Start with basic questions
2) Cover research topic
3) Ask deeper personal/reflective questions
4) Conclude and thank the participant

Question 5

What is important when building rapport in interviews?

Answer 5

Ask personal questions early (e.g. about themselves), use names, make them feel at ease before deeper questions

Question 6

How should questions be worded in interviews?

Answer 6

• Open-ended (avoid yes/no, dichotomous responses)
• Neutral (avoid bias, predetermined responses)
• Singular (one idea per question)

Question 7

What are the probing techniques in qualitative interviews?

Answer 7

1) Detail-oriented (who, why, where)
2) Elaboration (e.g., ‘uh-huh’)
3) Clarification (what do you mean by…?)
4) Comparing (how does X compare to Y?)

Question 8

What are qualitative observations?

Answer 8

Using senses (sight, hearing, etc.) to gather first-hand experiential data in the natural setting of participants

Question 9

What are the purposes of qualitative observation?

Answer 9

1) Identify setting, activities, people
2) Capture meaning from participants´ perspectives
3) Gain insight into unspoken or taboo topics

Question 10

What are limitations of qualitative observation?

Answer 10

• Time-consuming
• Limited to what you can observe
• Depends on preparation
• Hard to predict relevant events

Question 11

What are the observation roles?

Answer 11

1) Participant-as-observer (identity revealed)
2) Observer-as-participant (spectator)
3) Complete participant (identity concealed)
4) Complete observer (pure observation)

Question 12

What are the areas to observe?

Answer 12

• Physical environment (space, furniture, etc.)
• Social environment (people, behaviours, status)
• Formal activities (timing, routines)

Question 13

What questions should you draft for an observation guide?

Answer 13

1) What is your observer role?
2) What are your observation questions?
3) What will you focus on?
4) What findings do you expect?

Question 14

What are scratch-notes?

Answer 14

rough, taken during observations (paper, tablet)

Question 15

What are field notes?

Answer 15

structured, detailed write-ups post-observation (typed, analysed)