Interviews

Different types of interviews, structured interviews and unstructured interviews. Structured interviews are favoured by positivists because they are rich in reliability and representative where unstructured interviews favoured by interpretivists because they are rich in validity

Structured interviews

Quantitative research methods where the interviewer asks a set list of questions for every participant. Used for comparable data and favoured by positivists because they produce data that can be analysed

The UK census

Advantages

Highley reliable as all respondents answer the same questions

Quick and efficient

Easy to analyse

Reduced interview bias

Disadvantages

Lack of depth

Answers are limited to pre set choices

Can miss important information

Unstructured interviews

Interpretivists favoured method of unstructured interviews mainly ask open-ended questions that produce qualitative data rich in meaning. Strong relationship built between the interviewer and interviewee which means data is more valid

Howard Becker- Using marijuana

Advantages

Rapport- The informality allows the interviewer to develop a relationship with the interviewee

Encourages the interviewee to discuss

Provides detailed in depth data

Disadvantages

Time consuming as they are usually longer and expensive as training interviewers in sensitivity

Hard to replicate- Lacks structure

Interviewer bias

Hard to compare answers

Semi-structured interviews

A qualitative method of inquiry that combines structured and unstructured interviews. Interviewer follows a set of open ended questions but allows flexibility to follow up- Preferred by anti-positivists

Anne Oakley- study of women performing housework

Advantages

Large amount of detail generated

Fairly flexible and sensitive

Allows for a deeper exploration of response

Disadvantages

Very time consuming to conduct and analyse

Need to be quite a skilled interviewer to do probably

Potential for interviewer bias

Flexibility of interview may lessen reliability

Difficult to compare answers

Focus groups

Focus groups are a qualitative method used to gather insights from a group of people through discussions. Favoured by anti-positivists.

Paul Willis- The lads study

Advantages-

Rich in data- In-depth responses

Interaction effects- People build on others responses

Flexible- Can be adjusted based on responses

Disadvantages-

Lacks representativeness- Small group size

Cause phycological issues- Sensitive topics

Researcher influence- Can influence the study