Semi-structured interviews

What are semi-structured interviews?

The interviewer asks the respondents questions from an interview schedule but has the ability to probe for more information

What are the question types typically for semi-structured interviews?

The questions are usually open ended which can add depth the answers

What type of data is collected from semi-structured interviews?

Quantitative and qualitative

Who favour semi-structured interviews?

Realists

How did Barker use semi-structured interviews?

To explore the Unification Church

Strength - open ended questions allow…

Topics to be discussed in detail

Strength - interviewers can use follow up questions to…

Clarify information

Strength - what does combining qualitative and quantitative data allow?

Generalisations to be made

Strength - what is the response rate like?

High

Weakness - what is a result of information not being standardised?

Data is not reliable

Weakness - what may be a problem?

Interviewer bias

Weakness - what practical issues do semi-structured interviews have?

Time consuming and expensive