The document discusses different types of interviews used in research: structured, semi-structured, and unstructured. Structured interviews involve predetermined questions asked in a set order with closed-ended responses. Semi-structured interviews also have predetermined questions but allow more flexibility in how they are asked and accept open-ended answers. Unstructured interviews have no predetermined questions or answers and rely on natural conversation between the researcher and participant. The strengths and weaknesses of each type are described in relation to control, reliability, flexibility, and level of detail collected.

1. M.M FATHIMA NASEELA
EU/IS/08/MS/40
MGT306303:30:43

2. Structured
Semi-
structured
Unstructured
03:30:43

3. Structured Interviews
Quantitative Approach
Definition
Interviewer gives a set of predetermined questions to the
interviewees
Aim
Measures facts, attitudes, knowledge, behavior
Finding accurate information without influences from
the researcher
 to ensure that each interviewee is presented with exactly the
same questions in the same order.
03:30:43

4. Relationship between interviewer and interviewee
Minimize interaction
No distractions
No flexibility
strict control over interview
Close ended question
Types of Interviews
Telephone
Face-to-face
Mail (usually associated
with survey research
03:30:43

5. Strengths and weaknesses of structured
interviews
Strengths
Control
Reliability
Speed
Efficient use of
time
Weaknesses
Limit freedom to talk
Miss what
interviewees
think is important
Does not allow
complexity of
answers03:30:43

6. Structured
Semi-
structured
Unstructured
03:30:43

7. Semi-Structured Interviews
qualitative studies.
Everyone gets the same questions asked,
but there is flexibility in how they are asked.
Particularly useful for exploring the views of a subject
towards something
most useful when one is investigating
a topic that is very personal to participants.
Use open-ended questions
03:30:43

8. Strengths and weaknesses of semi-structured
interviews
Strengths
• Not confirming the
same
information, but also
learning more.
• Easier to talk about
sensitive issues.
• Large amount of
detail
• Fairly flexible
03:30:43
Weaknesses
 Flexibility of interview
may lessen reliability.
 Open-ended questions
are difficult to analyze.
 Difficult to compare
answers.

9. Structured
Semi-
structured
Unstructured
03:30:43

10. Unstructured Interviews
Qualitative interviewing
Definition
“neither the question nor the answer are predetermined and
rely on social interaction between the researcher and
informant.”
 Non-directive interviewing
 Non-standardized interviewing
 Open-ended questions
 Types of Interviews
in-depth interviewing
focus group interviewing
narratives
03:30:43

11. Strengths and weaknesses of unstructured
interviews
Strengths
Rich data
extremely flexible
Provides highly
detailed and valid
data
It is more like a
conversation and
the interviewee is
relaxed.
Weaknesses
People say and do
different things in
different situations
Time consuming
Attention not focused
on a given issue
Very little factual
information provided
03:30:43

12. 03:30:43