The interview as a social interaction

Which sociologist highlighted interviewer bias due to researcher involvement?

Ann Oakley (1982) found it difficult to remain neutral when interviewing women about maternity and childbirth because she was a mother herself.

Why are structured interviews less affected by interviewer bias?

Structured interviews have pre-set questions and fixed wording, limiting the interviewer’s ability to influence answers.

Why are interviews considered artificial?

Even unstructured interviews are not normal conversations because:

• Both participants know it is an interview.

• The interviewer controls the questions.

This artificial situation may lead to less truthful answers.

How can status and power inequalities affect interviews + example?

Differences in age, gender, class, or ethnicity may make the interviewee feel uncomfortable or pressured, which can reduce honesty and validity.

Rich found that children often try to please adult interviewers, affecting the truthfulness of their answers.

How can cultural differences affect interview validity and which sociologist was criticised due to cultural misunderstanding?

Words may have different meanings in different cultures.

• Interviewers may fail to detect lies or misunderstandings

Mead was criticised because she did not speak the Samoan language, so she could not tell that the girls she interviewed had misled her.

What is the social desirability effect?

Interviewees may give answers that make them appear respectable, intelligent, or socially acceptable, rather than telling the truth.

What ethical issues can arise in interviews?

• Interviewees may feel pressured to answer questions.

• Sensitive topics may cause psychological harm.
  Researchers must ensure:

• Informed consent

• Anonymity

• Right to refuse questions

How did Kinsey improve the validity of interviews on sexual behaviour?

• Asked questions quickly to reduce lying.

• Used cross-check questions to verify answers.

• Conducted follow-up interviews 18 months later.

How did Becker try to obtain more honest interview responses?

Becker (1971) used tactics such as:

• Aggression

• Disbelief

• Playing dumb

These encouraged teachers to reveal sensitive views about pupils’ class and ethnicity.

How can researchers overcome cultural barriers in interviews?

By matching interviewers and interviewees by language or ethnicity.

Example:
Nazroo (1997) conducted interviews in the language chosen by the interviewee in his study of ethnic minority health.