1. Information system analysis and design
Dr. Dina Tbaishat

2. Recap
Last lecture we looked at the concept of qualitative and quantitative analysis methods
We started with sampling
Today we shall look at interviews as data collection method

3. Interviews
Very popular in real life; job interview, police interview, media interview, and more
The research interview however is a data collection method that can be used in both quantitative and qualitative analysis
There are more than one type of interviews; structured (closed-ended), semi-structured, unstructured (open- ended) and focus groups

4. The structured interview is the only type of interviews used in survey research – quantitative research in general
All other interview types are more used with qualitative research
In structured interviews each respondent receives exactly the same interview, and the interview questions are specific and may offer the interviewee a range of answers
Therefore it follows a schedule in a certain frame

5. The structured interview is typically used in survey research since it provides standardization of both asked questions and recorded answers, this in turn reduces the error
There are some sources of error in survey research, these are:
Poorly worded question
The way the interviewer asks the question
The interviewee misunderstanding the question
The way the interviewer records information

6. In a semi-structured interview, the interviewer has a set of questions and an interview schedule but where it is possible to change the sequence of questions
In an unstructured interview (open- ended), the interviewer has a list of topics (interview guide) that should be covered, but the interview is informal, and the phrasing and sequencing of questions will vary from one interview to another depending on the context

7. In focus-groups interviews, interviewees are asked open questions about a specific situation relevant to them, where members of a group discuss the topic together
When interviewing make sure you:
Know the schedule (interview guide)
Introduce the research before you start
Get to know the interviewees, and they know you !
Record the answers, if possible

8. How to interview? Personal face-to-face Telephone Videoconferencing
Personal (face to face) might be the best since it finds out about experiences, attitudes, emotions, perceptions and actions, but telephone / videoconferencing is more cost effective

9. Interviews advantages
Can easily verify information
Helps communication
More personal
Provides a lot of information and more useful information can be elicited
Un-thought of questions can be included as it allows flexibility

10. Interviews disadvantages
Time consuming
Bias might appear
Respondents might say what they think you want to hear
Leading the interviewee
Difficult to replicate in same manner (to say on the same track)

11. References
Bryman, A. (2004). Social Research Methods. New York: Oxford University Press
De Vaus, D. (2002). Surveys in Social Research. London: Routledge.