Interviews Intro

Interviews are a type of survey that are used for qualitative purposes. They involve recorded conversations with participants, whereby the researcher/interviewer uses prompts to direct the conversation in the direction required for the research.

There are three interview classifications.

1. Structured Interviews use a set schedule of question and answers
2. Semi-structured Interviews (or focused) use questions as a guideline, meaning there is some flexibility around how the questions are asked, and the answers that may be received.
3. Unstructured Interviews whereby there is no set questionnaire and the interview is free-flowing (Bill,2005).

There are many ways in which interviews can be conducted. All of these ways have different purposes and are useful at drawing out different types of ‘data’ and information from participants.