Sociology Research methods - interviews

Define a "Structured Interview".

• A conversation with a prepared list of questions

• An informal conversation with topics in mind but no set questions

• A list of questions given out to participants

• Watching someone and noting their behaviour

One example of Structured Interview is

• A chat show

• A job interview

Define a "Unstructured Interview".

• Watching someone and noting their behaviour

• An informal conversation with topics in mind but no set questions

• A list of questions given out to participants

• A conversation with a prepared list of questions

One example of Unstructured Interview is

• A chat show

• A job interview

True or false a job interview could be both structured and unstructured?

• True

• False

Two strengths of unstructured interviews are ...

• Very high in VALIDITY because of the in-depth responses that are given

• It is very difficult to have a large sample as it takes a long time to interview an individual.

• Interviewers can make sure that the respondents understand the questions

• Reliability is an issue because they can be repeated in exactly the same way.

Two weaknesses of unstructured interviews are ...

• Very high in VALIDITY because of the in-depth responses that are given

• It is very difficult to have a large sample as it takes a long time to interview an individual.

• Interviewers can make sure that the respondents understand the questions

• They can not be repeated in exactly the same way so Reliability is an issue

To increase validity in an interview the interviewer must ...

• Nod and agree with what is being said

• Conducting an interview in a very important place.

• Not pay attention the answers that are given.

• Build a rapport (trusting relationship) with the interviewees.