In the social sciences domain semi-structured interviews is a very common method of research. A semi-structured interview is a meeting in which the interviewer does not strictly follow a formalized list of questions. The interviewer will ask more open-ended questions, allowing for a discussion with the interviewee rather than a straightforward question and answer format. Semi-structured interviews are used to gather focused, qualitative textual data. This method is typically used during both the early and late stages of exploring a research domain.
After doing some online research, I’m considering using semi-structured interviews for Assignment 2. The reason is that with a semi-structured interview the interviewee is allowed to elaborate, and share additional information which could be relevant. However, a disadvantage can be that it is hard to keep track of which questions are answered (or not). Another disadvantage is that all of the relevant but “out-of-script” information that will become available will need to be processed at a later point, which also requires a lot of time and resources.
Other types of interviews
Structured interview: A structured interview is a type of interview in which the interviewer asks a particular set of predetermined questions. In structured interviews, questions are planned and created in advance, which means that all interviewees are asked the same questions in the same order. While a structured interview has a rigorous set of questions which does not allow one to divert, a semi-structured interview is open, allowing new ideas to be brought up during the interview as a result of what the interviewee says.
The main advantage in structured interviews is that all the interviewees are asked the same questions, so it’s easy to compare their answers.
Unstrctured interview: An unstructured interview is a type of interview in which the interviewer asks questions which are not prepared in advance. In unstructured interviews, questions arise spontaneously in a free-flowing conversation, which means that different interviewees are asked different questions.
The main advantage of an unstructured interview is their personalized approach. This can sometimes be very useful, especially in job interviews.
Sources:
http://www.qualres.org/HomeSemi-3629.html
http://designresearchtechniques.com/casestudies/semi-structured-interviews/
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/what-is-a-semi-structured-interview-2061632
https://www.talentlyft.com/en/blog/article/92/difference-between-structured-unstructured-and-semi-structured-job-interviews
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