In-Depth Interview

What is Interview?

• Interview: A Purposeful Social Interaction, Conversation, Discussion

• Two, More People, One Questions, Other Answers-----Research Question, Topic, Theme

In-Depth Interview

• One-On-One Basis, Two Individuals---Interviewer and Respondent

• Purpose: Data Collection, Detailed Discussion on Research Topic, Theme

• Data: Personal Experiences, Accounts, Words, Opinions, Views, Ideas, Perceptions (Own Words)

Structure and Control Issues

• Un-structured or Semi-structured?

• List of Questions In Advance?

• Control of Content and Direction?

Structured Interview

• Structured Interview: Preconceived Topics/ Questions are Devised (Questionnaire)

• Fixed Order and Wording of Questions

• Participant Responds To Questions

• Close-Ended Questions---Choices Are Given

In-Depth Interview

• One View: Unstructured in Format• Researcher Introduces Topic

• No Extensive List---Predetermined, Focused, Short Questions

• Awareness of Main Theme(s)

• Think Through Relevant Questions

In-Depth Interview(Unstructured)

• No Control Over Content and Direction of Interview, Discussion

• Researcher Leaves Respondents to Narrate Their Experiences, Accounts of Events, Themes

In-Depth Interview

• Second View: Semi-Structured in Format• Researcher Introduces Topic, Theme

• Respondents Free To Elaborate on Topic• Give Personal Account of Their Experience

• May Take Researcher in New but Related Direction

In-Depth Interview(Semi-Structured)

• Researcher Has A List of Themes

• Tentative Questions---Written, Memorized

• Probing Questions---Specific Information• Probing Further Information on Experience

• Some Control over Content and Direction of Discussion

Other Salient Features

• Medium: Face-to-Face, Telephone

• Acceptable Practices: Questions, Question Order May Vary, Addition, Deletion

• Most Open-Ended Questions

• Actual Questions---Composed on Spot• Questions out of Natural Rhythm

Focus Group(Group Interview)

• A Small Group of Individuals----Assembled to Express Their Views, Opinions Theme, Topic

• Group Environment

• Qualitative Data Collection Method• Data: Same As in In-Depth Interview;

Emotions, Feelings, Tensions, Contradictions

Main Features

• Group Size----No Fixed Number

• Consideration: Each Member is Able to Speak

• Common View: 6—12 Members

• Time: Meet 1-2 hours

Main Features

• Composition: No Friends, Still Comfortable to Talk to Each Other

• Basis of Composition: Common Experience, Common Activities Knowledgeable About Topic, Detailed Discussion

• Presence of Researcher (Takes notes, Observes)• Multiple Sessions--- Multiple Focus Groups

Main Features

• Both Unstructured and Semi-structured • Respondents Free to Discuss Topic• Researcher Takes an Active Role—

Controlling Content and Direction of Group Discussion

• Questions Prepared In Advance?

Main Features

• No Experts, Self-Appointed Experts, Inhibit Reponses, Intimidate Respondents

• Hostile Members----Asked to Leave in Breaks

Advantages of Focus Group

• Quick and Cheap---Data Collection Method• Setting and Respondents---Variety

• Direct Talk to Respondents----Clarification, Elaboration, Better Understanding of ideas

• Opportunity: Respondents to Develop Reactions, Build Responses to Other Members

Disadvantages

• Group Dynamics---Data Quality

• Dominance of one viewpoint----Dominant Member

• Reluctance to Reveal Information

In-Depth Interview and Focus Group

• Choice: Not Matter of Either/Or

• Similarities: Role of Researcher Important--Determining how the Discussion will Proceed

• Researcher can Potentially Influence the Content

• Data :Same in Both• Interview Guidelines: Same in Both

Differences

• Total Number of Participants

• The Amount of Data Collected---Focus Group vs A Set of Individual Interviews

• Focus Group: Access to Greater Number of Respondents at one point

• In-depth Interview Provides more details about each Respondent

Interview Guidelines

• Moderation Style: Encourage Respondents, Comfortable, Respected, Input is Needed

• Sensitive Ear----Interested in Their Views

• Warm, Avoid Over-Rapport and Conflict• Remain Neutral, No Shock or Surprise

• Probing, Right Questions, From General to Specific• Avoid Jargon, Technical, Slang Terms

Interview Guidelines

• Check-List of Themes, No Reliance on Memory

• Taking Notes: Backbone of Data Collection

• Recording---Written, Audio-Taping (Reactivity Problem)

• Jotting on Spot, Casual Jotting (Memory Sparkers)

Interview Guidelines

• Short Notes, Not Long• Elaborate Notes—24 Hours

• Separate Notes---Different Categories

• Labels with Basic Information: Name, Code, Demographics (Age, Gender, Race, etc.), Location in Social Network, Time and Place of Interview

Analysis

• Look For Patterns---Themes, Perspectives

• Patterns Formed By Words of Respondents• Topics: Consistent High Level Interest in Each

Group

• Group-to-Group Validation: Repetition of a Theme in Most Groups

Analysis

• Focus on Words of Respondents (Own Interpretation Helpful)

• Process Begins with Researcher’s Interest, Ends with Respondent’s Interest