This document compares and contrasts qualitative interview types and provides guidance on interview or conversational guides. Unstructured interviews have no predeveloped questions while semi-structured interviews use predeveloped questions that may be asked in different orders. Structured interviews strictly follow a set order of predeveloped questions to standardize responses. Interview guides should use open-ended questions focused on the interviewee's perspectives with follow ups to yes/no responses and use of "how" questions to elicit details.

1. COMPARING QUALITATIVE
INTERVIEW TYPES
Quantitative Qualitative
Unstructured No predeveloped questions in survey or
interview guide
Semi-structured Predeveloped questions – may be
administered in no established order;
questions may be added depending on
circumstances.
Predeveloped questions – established
order - questions can be answered in the
same way each time

2. INTERVIEW OR CONVERSATIONAL
GUIDES
 List of open-ended questions is
prepared in advance by the
interviewer
 Never, ever, use yes/no questions
unless you plan to follow-up yes/no
responses with a more detailed
question.
 “How” questions usually produce
detailed responses.
 Questions should focus on the
interviewee’s perspectives, opinions,
attitudes, and experiences.