In-Depth Interview

Author:

What is Interview?

• Interview: A Purposeful Social Interaction, Conversation, Discussion

• Two, More People, One Questions, Other Answers-----Research Question, Topic, Theme

Types of interviews

• Structured– Structured questionnaire– Mostly close-ended answers

• Semi-structured– Fixed questions– Open answers

In-depth– Questions are based upon the responses collected

In depths interviews

In-Depth Interview

• One-On-One Basis, Two Individuals---Interviewer and Respondent

• Purpose: Data Collection, Detailed Discussion on Research Topic, Theme

• Data: Personal Experiences, Accounts, Words, Opinions, Views, Ideas, Perceptions (Own Words)

Objectives of in-depth interviews

• Discover the interviewee’s own framework of meanings

• Obtains rich, contextualized, in-depth information

• Avoid imposing the researcher’s structures and assumptions – Avoid being directive

In depths interviews

Structure and Control Issues

• Un-structured or Semi-structured?

• List of Questions In Advance?

• Control of Content and Direction?

Structured Interview

• Structured Interview: Preconceived Topics/ Questions are Devised (Questionnaire)

• Fixed Order and Wording of Questions

• Participant Responds To Questions

• Close-Ended Questions---Choices Are Given

In-Depth Interview

• One View: Unstructured in Format• Researcher Introduces Topic

• No Extensive List---Predetermined, Focused, Short Questions

• Awareness of Main Theme(s)

• Think Through Relevant Questions

In-Depth Interview(Unstructured)

• No Control Over Content and Direction of Interview, Discussion

• Researcher Leaves Respondents to Narrate Their Experiences, Accounts of Events, Themes

In-Depth Interview

• Second View: Semi-Structured in Format• Researcher Introduces Topic, Theme

• Respondents Free To Elaborate on Topic• Give Personal Account of Their Experience

• May Take Researcher in New but Related Direction

In-Depth Interview(Semi-Structured)

• Researcher Has A List of Themes

• Tentative Questions---Written, Memorized

• Probing Questions---Specific Information• Probing Further Information on Experience

• Some Control over Content and Direction of Discussion

Other Salient Features

• Medium: Face-to-Face, Telephone

• Acceptable Practices: Questions, Question Order May Vary, Addition, Deletion

• Most Open-Ended Questions

• Actual Questions---Composed on Spot• Questions out of Natural Rhythm

Directiveness scale for interview technique

1. Making encouraging noises

2. Reflecting on remarks made by the informant

3. Probing on the last remark by the informant

4. Probing an idea preceding the last remark by the informant

5. Probing an idea expressed earlier in the interview

6. Introducing a new topic

More directive

In depths interviews

Qualities of questions in in-depth interviews

• Open ended

• Neutral

• Sensitive

• Clear to the interviewee

In depths interviews

Keeping control of the interview

• Knowing what needs to be found

• Asking the right questions

• Giving appropriate verbal and non verbal feedback

In depths interviews

Common pitfalls in interviews

• Counseling

• Presenting the perspective of the interviewer

• Superficial interview

• Receiving secret information

• Inaccurate translation

In depths interviews

• Interruptions

• Competing distractions

• Stage fright

• Embarrassing questions

• Jumping from a subject to another

• Teaching

Focus Group(Group Interview)

• A Small Group of Individuals----Assembled to Express Their Views, Opinions Theme, Topic

• Group Environment

• Qualitative Data Collection Method• Data: Same As in In-Depth Interview;

Emotions, Feelings, Tensions, Contradictions

Main Features

• Group Size----No Fixed Number

• Consideration: Each Member is Able to Speak

• Common View: 6—12 Members

• Time: Meet 1-2 hours

Main Features

• Composition: No Friends, Still Comfortable to Talk to Each Other

• Basis of Composition: Common Experience, Common Activities Knowledgeable About Topic, Detailed Discussion

• Presence of Researcher (Takes notes, Observes)• Multiple Sessions--- Multiple Focus Groups

Main Features

• Both Unstructured and Semi-structured • Respondents Free to Discuss Topic• Researcher Takes an Active Role—

Controlling Content and Direction of Group Discussion

• Questions Prepared In Advance?

Main Features

• No Experts, Self-Appointed Experts, Inhibit Reponses, Intimidate Respondents

• Hostile Members----Asked to Leave in Breaks

Advantages of Focus Group

• Quick and Cheap---Data Collection Method• Setting and Respondents---Variety

• Direct Talk to Respondents----Clarification, Elaboration, Better Understanding of ideas

• Opportunity: Respondents to Develop Reactions, Build Responses to Other Members

Disadvantages

• Group Dynamics---Data Quality

• Dominance of one viewpoint----Dominant Member

• Reluctance to Reveal Information

In-Depth Interview and Focus Group

• Choice: Not Matter of Either/Or

• Similarities: Role of Researcher Important--Determining how the Discussion will Proceed

• Researcher can Potentially Influence the Content

• Data :Same in Both• Interview Guidelines: Same in Both

Differences

• Total Number of Participants

• The Amount of Data Collected---Focus Group vs A Set of Individual Interviews

• Focus Group: Access to Greater Number of Respondents at one point

• In-depth Interview Provides more details about each Respondent

Interview Guidelines

• Moderation Style: Encourage Respondents, Comfortable, Respected, Input is Needed

• Sensitive Ear----Interested in Their Views

• Warm, Avoid Over-Rapport and Conflict• Remain Neutral, No Shock or Surprise

• Probing, Right Questions, From General to Specific• Avoid Jargon, Technical, Slang Terms

Interview Guidelines

• Check-List of Themes, No Reliance on Memory

• Taking Notes: Backbone of Data Collection

• Recording---Written, Audio-Taping (Reactivity Problem)

• Jotting on Spot, Casual Jotting (Memory Sparkers)

Interview Guidelines

• Short Notes, Not Long• Elaborate Notes—24 Hours

• Separate Notes---Different Categories

• Labels with Basic Information: Name, Code, Demographics (Age, Gender, Race, etc.), Location in Social Network, Time and Place of Interview

Analysis

• Look For Patterns---Themes, Perspectives

• Patterns Formed By Words of Respondents• Topics: Consistent High Level Interest in Each

Group

• Group-to-Group Validation: Repetition of a Theme in Most Groups

Analysis

• Focus on Words of Respondents (Own Interpretation Helpful)

• Process Begins with Researcher’s Interest, Ends with Respondent’s Interest