• An interview is a conversation for gathering information. It involves an interviewer, who coordinates the process of the conversation and asks questions, and an interviewee, who responds to those questions.
• Interviews are generally used to conduct qualitative research where the researcher is interested in collecting facts or gaining a deeper understanding of (behaviors, opinions, attitudes, experiences, values, and beliefs).
• Interviews are more than just 'talking', they are conversations with a meaningful purpose
• The interviewee may be elicited in different lights (such as an individual, employee, user and or consumer).

Types of Interviews and Formats

Formats

(When is it appropriate to use)

Structured

Consists of a series of pre-determined questions that all interviewees answer in the same order

Example for use: Useful when conducting descriptive research. Helpful when the interviewer is less trained in interviewing techniques such as a job interview

Semi-Structured In depth

An interview that has several key questions which helps to define the areas to be explored, but also allows the researcher the flexibility to pursue an idea from a response in more detail

Example for use: When attempting to maintain the aim of a study while also interested in following the thoughts and perceptions of the participant

Unstructured

Interview conducted in an informal manner, questions are open-ended

Recommended when the researcher is seeking a more in-depth understanding of the subject

Lack of framework ensures the focus remains on the participants perspective, rather than that of the researcher

Example for use: When conducting exploratory research (seeking a deeper understanding of participants feelings, beliefs, values etc.)

References

Barcik, R. (2016, April 9th). Unstructured, Semi-Structured and Structured Interviews [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzwGEBJGz8s

Bhattacherjee, A. (2012). Social science research: Principles, methods, and practices (2nd ed.). Textbooks Collection. Book 3. Retrieved from http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/oa_textbooks/3

Lanz, Hector. (2017, April 10th). How do focus groups work [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TwgVQIZPsw

Castillo-Montoya, M. (2016). Preparing for interview research: The interview protocol refinement framework. The Qualitative Report, 21(5), 811-831.

Cohen, D., & Crabtree, B. (2006, July). Qualitative research guidelines project. Interviewing. Retrieved from http://www.qualres.org/HomeInte-3595.html

Easwaramoorthy, M., & Zarinpoush, F. (2006). Interviewing for research: Tip Sheet #6. Imagine Canada, Sector source issue #6. Retrieved from http://sectorsource.ca/resource/file/interviewing-research

McCann, T., & Clark, E. (2005). Using unstructured interviews with participants who have schizophrenia. Nurse Researcher, 13(1). 7-18.

McNamara, C. (n.d). General guidelines for conducting research interviews. Retrieved from https://managementhelp.org/businessresearch/interviews.htm

Rowley, J. (2012). Conducting research interviews. Management Research Review, 35(3/4), 260-271. doi: 10.1108/01409171211210154