Research Methodology: Unstructured Interviews

What is a potential advantage of structured interviews in terms of minimizing data distortion?

Structured interviews have more controls over the nature of the interaction, reducing the risk of data distortion.

How might gender differences between the interviewer and interviewee affect the interview data?

Gender differences may influence the interviewee's response, leading to potential biases in the data.

What is a potential limitation of cross-cultural interviews?

Cultural differences may lead to misunderstandings due to different meanings given to the same words.

What was a limitation of Margaret Mead's research on adolescents in Samoa?

Mead, who couldn't speak the language, was unable to detect when the girls she interviewed were deliberately misleading her. Signup and view all the answers

What is the social desirability effect, and how does it impact interview data?

The social desirability effect refers to the tendency of interviewees to provide answers they think are socially acceptable, rather than their genuine opinions. Signup and view all the answers

Why might interviewers be unable to detect when they are being lied to in cross-cultural interviews?

Cultural differences may prevent interviewers from recognizing dishonest responses, as they may lack understanding of cultural norms and cues. Signup and view all the answers

What can researchers do to improve the validity of interview data?

Researchers can use techniques to improve the validity of interview data, such as controlling for interviewer-interviewee differences and minimizing the social desirability effect. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential limitation of unstructured interviews?

Unstructured interviews may be more susceptible to data distortion due to the lack of controls over the interaction. Signup and view all the answers

Why do some interviewees provide any answer to a question instead of admitting they don't know or understand?

They may not want to appear ignorant or uninteresting. Signup and view all the answers

What is crucial for researchers to obtain from interviewees before conducting an interview?

Informed consent Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk of conducting interviews on sensitive topics or with vulnerable individuals?

Causing psychological harm Signup and view all the answers

What type of questions are used in structured interviews?

Closed-ended questions Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of structured interviews?

They lack validity and flexibility Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of using unstructured interviews?

They produce valid data by allowing interviewees to express themselves fully Signup and view all the answers

What is a challenge of using unstructured interviews?

Quantification is difficult Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential source of bias in interviews?

Interviewer bias and status or cultural differences between interviewer and interviewee Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between structured interviews and questionnaires?

The main difference is that in the interview, the questions are read out and the answers filled in by a trained interviewer rather than by the interviewee. Signup and view all the answers

How do structured interviews compare to postal questionnaires in terms of cost and reach?

Structured interviews are more expensive than postal questionnaires, but can cover large numbers of people with relatively limited resources, whereas postal questionnaires can reach huge numbers of people. Signup and view all the answers

What type of information is well-suited to being gathered through structured interviews?

Straightforward factual information such as a person's age or job. Signup and view all the answers

Why are the results of structured interviews easily quantified?

Because they use closed-ended questions with coded answers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of using structured interviews in terms of training interviewers?

Training interviewers is relatively straightforward and inexpensive. Signup and view all the answers

How do structured interviews compare to questionnaires in terms of advantages and disadvantages?

Structured interviews and questionnaires share many of the same advantages and disadvantages. Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using structured interviews for large-scale surveys?

They can cover large numbers of people with relatively limited resources. Signup and view all the answers

Why are structured interviews suitable for gathering factual information?

Because they use closed-ended questions with coded answers, making it easy to quantify the results. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major limitation of using unstructured interviews in collecting data?

Unstructured interviews can take a long time to conduct, leading to a relatively small sample size. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for an interviewer conducting unstructured interviews to have a background in sociology?

To recognize sociologically important points and probe further with appropriate questioning. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key interpersonal skill required of an interviewer conducting unstructured interviews?

Establishing rapport with the interviewee. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential issue with the sample size of unstructured interviews?

The sample may not be representative of the larger population. Signup and view all the answers

How does the time required for unstructured interviews impact the research process?

It limits the number of interviews that can be conducted and increases the cost. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between structured and unstructured interviews in terms of sample size?

Structured interviews can be used to study a larger number of participants. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for an interviewer to be thorough in their preparation for unstructured interviews?

To ensure that they can recognize and probe important points made by the interviewee. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential issue with the validity of unstructured interviews?

The interviewer's biases and perspectives can influence the data collected. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the standardized questions in the interviews?

To ensure that the interview was conducted in precisely the same way, with the same questions, in the same order, with the same wording and tone of voice. Signup and view all the answers

What was the range of alternative answers in the interviews?

A limited range of alternative answers. Signup and view all the answers

How long did each interview take?

Between about ten minutes and half an hour. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of reliable research methods?

That another researcher could repeat the research and get the same results. Signup and view all the answers

Why are structured interviews seen as reliable?

Because they are easy to standardize and control. Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using a standardized approach to interviewing?

That any other researcher following the interview procedures should get very similar results. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'repeating the research' in the context of reliability?

Following the same research procedures and methods to obtain similar results. Signup and view all the answers

How does the structured interview provide a 'recipe' for repeating the research?

By providing a clear and consistent approach to data collection, with the same questions, in the same order, with the same wording and tone of voice. Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of using structured interviews in research?

That they provide a reliable and consistent approach to data collection. Signup and view all the answers