Types of interview in research

There are three major types of research interview
Structured interview:  A structured interview is a quantitative research method commonly employed in survey research. The aim of this approach is to ensure that each interview is presented with exactly the same questions in the same order.

• The interviewer asks each respondent the same series of questions.
• The questions are created prior to the interview, and often have a limited set of response categories.
• There is generally little room for variation in responses and there are few open-ended questions included in the interview guide.
• Questioning is standardized and the ordering and phrasing of the questions are kept consistent from interview to interview. 
• The interviewer plays a neutral role and acts casual and friendly, but does not insert his or her opinion in the interview.
• Self-administered questionnaires are a type of structured interview.
• Structured interviews require adherence to a very particular set of rules.
• Each question is read word for word by the researcher without any deviation from the protocol.
• The style is most useful when looking for very specific information.
• Quick and easy to administer
• Questions are created prior to interview
• Limited set of response categories
• It keeps the data concise and reduces researchers bias.

1.       Semi structure: A semi-structured interview is a method of research used in the social sciences. While a structured interview has a rigorous set of questions which does not allow one to divert, a semi-structured interview is open, allowing new ideas to be brought up during the interview as a result of what the interviewee says.

—  These are a bit relaxed than structured interviews.

—  Conversation may stray from guide

—  Interviewers also have the freedom to be more friendly and sociable.

—  Data sets obtained using this style will be larger than those with structured interviews.

—  Open ended questions are included

—  Discussion may diverge from the interview guide

—  One –sided conversation in which the respondent is allowed free rein as long as the interviewer considers that what is being said is , or might be, relevant.

—  With little or no organization

—  Creates rapport and trust between respondent and interviewers.

—  It includes elaboration and explanation of a question.

Unstructured: An unstructured interview or non-directive interview is an interview in which questions are not prearranged. These non-directive interviews are considered to be the opposite of a structured interview which offers a set amount of standardized questions

—  Checklist of topics

—  There is no order and no script

—  The interaction between interviewer and interviewee is more like a conversation.

—  More often used in ethnographies and case studies

—  These are detailed and in depth

—  More valid information about respondent’s attitudes, values and opinions

—  It is more flexible and changeable 

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