Primary Qualitative- Unstructured Interviews Flashcards
What is an unstructured interview?
Is like a conversation
The respondent answers in as much detail as they like
Interviewers questions are shaped by the answers given by the respondent
What does the interviewer try and build with the respondent in an unstructured interview?
Tries to build a rapport with the respondent before the interview begins
What is a rapport?
A trusting relationship which makes the respondent feel comfortable
Why do unstructured interviews produce qualitative data?
Produce qualitative data because the interview is like a conversation and there are therefore no set questions or answers meaning the respondents answers how they like
Why are unstructured interviews high in validity?
High in validity because the respondent is providing answers that are detailed and true to life
Why are unstructured interviews low in reliability?
Low in reliability because there is no set questions and questions are based on the respondents previous answers meaning the interview cannot be replicated as it doesn’t have a standardised procedure
Why are unstructured interviews low in representativeness?
Low in representativeness because they are very time consuming to conductor and they can therefore only use a small sample size which means they are not representative of the whole population
Why are unstructured interviews good for sensitive topics?
Good for sensitive topics because the respondent can go into as much detail about a topic as they like
What are the advantages of unstructured interviews?
Respondents answer in their own words and as much detail as they wish - intepretivists can gain verstehen
Rapport builds trust - good for sensitive topics
Highly flexible - can discuss new ideas that come up during the interview
Can probe more detail
Few ethical issues
Can be very valid - first hand information direct from respondent
No imposition problem - respondent decides what is relevant to interview
What are the disadvantages of unstructured interviews?
Very time consuming
Small sample - not representative
No two interview the same - positivists criticise low reliability
Can be expensive - interviewers have to be trained
Risk of interviewer bias - less valid
Risk of social desirability - less valid
Sensitive topics must be dealt with carefully to avoid harm to respondent
Risk of guilty knowledge - ethical problem
