1. Semi Structured and in depth interviews
Zeeshan A. Bhatti

2. Research interview is a general term for many types of interviews
Nature of any interview should be consistent with your research questions and objectives

3. Types of Interviews Structured / Standardized Interviews
Highly formalized
Based on pre-determined or identical set of questions
You read out each question and record the response
Preferably in the same tone of voice
Semi-Structured/ Non standardized Interviews
Researcher has a list of themes and questions to be covered – although they may vary from interview to interview
You can omit some questions, given the specific organizational settings
Order of questions may change
New questions may be added

4. Unstructured Interviews
Informal – used to explore in depth a general area in which you are interested
No pre-determined list of questions – although you need to have a clear idea about what you want to explore
Also called Informant Interview, since it is interviewees perceptions that guide the conduct of interview

5. Interview Types based of Interaction
One to One
Face to Face
Telephone Interviews
One to Many
Focus group Interviews

6. Situations favoring Research Interviews
The nature of the approach to research
If you are undertaking an exploratory study, it is likely you will use qualitative research Interviews
Similarly, an explanatory study may also requires where you want to establish causality b/w variables
Provides an opportunity of “probe” answers – which leads you to explore areas previously not considered

7. The significance of establishing personal contact
Managers are more likely to agree to be interviews rather than complete a questionnaire – specially where the topic is interesting or relevant to their work
They may be reluctant to fill in questionnaire, because:
Not provide sensitive information to someone they have never met
They find it a waste of time

8. The nature of questions
A favorable approach where
There are a large number of questions to be answered
Where the questions are either complex of open-ended
Where the order and logic of questioning needs to be varied

9. Data Quality Issues in Interviews
Reliability
Lack of standardization
Forms of Bias: There are different types of bias
Interviewer Bias
Comments, tone of non-verbal behavior of interviewer
An attempt to impose your own beliefs through the questions
Unable to develop trust of the interviewee – or you are seen to be lacking credibility – then the value of information given may also not be valid and reliable

10. Interviewee/ Response Bias
Perceptions of interviewee about the interviewer
They may take part in the interview BUT may choose not reveal and discuss an aspect of the topic
Therefore, the outcome of just a ‘partial’ picture of the situation
Bias due to the nature of individuals
The time-consuming requirements of interview process may result in the reduction in willingness to take part in interviews
This may bias your sample from whom data are collected

11. Validity & Generalizability
Validity refers to: Is the researcher able to infer the exact meaning that the participant intended from the language that he/she used?
Generalizations cannot be made about entire populations since the interviews are based on small and unrepresentative number of cases

12. Overcoming Data Quality Issues
Overcoming Reliability
Non-standardized research methods such as Interviews are not intended to be repeatable – since they reflect reality at the time they were collected in a situation which is subject to change
Therefore, an attempt to ensure their replication with other researchers is unrealistic

13. Overcoming Interviewers and Interviewee Bias
Preparation
You need to be knowledgeable about the organizational or situational context
Do a prior search (journals/organizational reports etc.)
This will help you in demonstrate your credibility
A further benefit is that the researcher can accurately assess some of the information given by the respondent

14. Level of information supplied to the interviewee
Credibility can also be promoted by supplying the interviewee with a list of themes before the interview
This should also promote validity and reliability – as the interviewee might arrange additional documentation or files needed
Additional documentation also allows triangulation of data provided
They might provide researchers with photocopies of necessary material needed

15. Appearance of researcher
Inappropriate dressing might affect your credibility and to gain confidence of the interviewee
Robson (2002) advises to adopt a similar type of dress to those to be interviewed
Nature of the opening comments
The first few minutes of conversation can have a significant impact
The interview is likely to be held in a setting unfamiliar to you, but its is YOU who has to shape the conversation

16. The interviewee may have some uncertainties about sharing information – provide clarity
They may have curiosity of why they were selected as respondents
The answer of such questions establish friendly and comfortable environment
Healey & Rawlinson (1994) argue that an assurance of anonymity and confidentiality of information make interviewees feel relaxed

17. Approach to questioning
Your questions need to be phrased clearly – understandable
Ask questions in neutral tone of voice
Use of open questions avoids bias
Questions should not indicate your own bias
Questions must avoid too many theoretical concepts; jargons; and specific terminologies
Sensitive questions must be left for the end since a trust can be built during the interview process

18. Nature and impact of Interviewer’s behavior
Comments or non-verbal behavior, such as gestures which indicate a bias should be avoided
A neutral response should be projected
You should slightly incline towards the interviewee which is a signal of your attentiveness
Avoiding any expression of anxiety, disbelief or boredom

19. Demonstration of attentive listening skills
You must provide interviewee with reasonable time to develop responses and avoid projecting your own ideas
Scope to test understanding
Your may test your understanding by summarizing an explanation provided by the interviewee
Approach to recording data
A full record of interview must be compiled asap.
If not done – the exact nature of responses might be lost
You may mix up data from different interviews

20. Cultural differences and bias
Misinterpretation of responses
Gestures

21. The researcher’s interviewing competence
Questioning & Recording Information
Even in an unstructured interview, allowing the interviewee to speak freely is unlikely to lead to a clear focus
It is therefore necessary to devise relevant interview themes

25. Recording Interviews Always get permission of recording interviews
Where it can have an adverse effect, do not use recorders
Take notes even while recording
Sometimes, control to be given to interviewee so he/she can stop the recording for sensitive questions

27. Self Study
Telephonic Interviews
Group Interviews