Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a key disadvantage of structured interviews?
What is a key disadvantage of structured interviews?
Which of the following is an advantage of unstructured interviews?
Which of the following is an advantage of unstructured interviews?
What is a common drawback of group interviews?
What is a common drawback of group interviews?
Which research design is favored by positivists?
Which research design is favored by positivists?
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Sue Sharp's research illustrates a potential issue with which type of interview?
Sue Sharp's research illustrates a potential issue with which type of interview?
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What is an advantage of using unstructured interviews in research?
What is an advantage of using unstructured interviews in research?
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According to Powney & Watts, how do young children typically respond to interview questions?
According to Powney & Watts, how do young children typically respond to interview questions?
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Which of the following is a practical issue when conducting interviews with students?
Which of the following is a practical issue when conducting interviews with students?
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What factor affects the reliability of interviews conducted with young people?
What factor affects the reliability of interviews conducted with young people?
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What is a concern regarding the power dynamics in interviews with children?
What is a concern regarding the power dynamics in interviews with children?
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Study Notes
Types of Interviews in Educational Research
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Structured Interviews: Pre-set standardized questions. Researcher reads questions; respondent answers. Positivist approach.
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Advantages: Standardized questioning, High reliability (can contact many people quickly).
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Disadvantages: Limited depth, Difficult to explore complex issues/opinions, Time-consuming, Can't check respondent understanding.
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Unstructured Interviews: Conversational, open-ended questions. Interpretivist approach.
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Advantages: Rapport building, High validity (deeper insight into meaning and attitudes), Especially useful with sensitive groups.
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Disadvantages: Interviewer bias (socially desirable answers), Less comparable (respondents may stray from topic).
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Group Interviews (Focus Groups): Interviews with multiple participants.
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Advantages: Rapport building, Increased validity (participants can contribute to each other’s ideas).
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Disadvantages: Potential for respondents to stray from topic, Interviewer bias, Costly/training required, Not ideal for sensitive issues.
Applications of Interviews in Education
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Sue Sharp: Used questionnaires and unstructured interviews to study subject choice.
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Advantages: Could gain deeper insight into attitudes using unstructured.
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Disadvantages: Researcher bias (feminist viewpoint and facial expressions possibly led to leading questions).
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Powney & Watts: Studied young children's responses to interviews.
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Advantages: Found valid data since young children may have different logic.
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Disadvantages: Requires trained interviewers, Expensive and complex.
Challenges of Interviews in Educational Research
- Practical Issues: Student willingness, understanding complex concepts, limited vocabulary require trained interviewers.
- Reliability: Young people may not respond favourably to formal interviews.
- Access and Response: Schools may be reluctant to allow interviews during lessons.
- Interviewer Bias: Interviewers should be aware of potential power/status inequalities.
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Description
This quiz explores various types of interviews used in educational research, including structured, unstructured, and group interviews. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, making it important for researchers to choose the right method for their specific study. Test your knowledge on these techniques and their applications.