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Select your languageSuggested languages for you: In an interview scenario, which type of interview is ideal? One that produces concise, direct answers or one that produces detailed answers with reasoning? You'd probably claim that this depends entirely on the interview context. For a job interview, the interviewer would most likely prefer answers that go into detail about the interviewee's background. For a focus group interview, the interviewer might prefer direct answers that help them improve their product or service. This is one reason why it is important to consider which type of interview is most suitable for a sociological researcher. In this explanation, we will talk about types of interviews in sociology, including structured interviews, semi-structured and group interviews.
What is an interview?Before we study them closer, let's define 'interviews'. An interview refers to verbal interactions between an interviewer and one or more respondents. Interviews can be conducted in person, on the phone, or through video chat. But in each case, they are more direct and personal interactions between the interviewer and the respondent than, for example, questionnaires. The interview method in sociologyThe interview is one of the primary methods of sociological data collection. They are usually used by sociologists to research more sensitive or complex subjects, and to gain in-depth knowledge of people’s ways of thinking and feeling about a specific topic. To conduct them, researchers must create an interview schedule. In the case of structured interviews, this means a pre-prepared list of questions the researcher aims to cover. In the case of unstructured or group interviews, the interview schedule usually consists of a collection of subjects and topics that the respondents are supposed to discuss. Fig. 1 - The interview schedule usually contains a set list of questions around a specific topic. After the interview, the researcher has to create a transcript, which means they have to reproduce everything said during the interview in a written format. In order to do this well, researchers usually record their interviews. Interview style: The type and/or style of an interview depends on the preferences of the researchers. Some sociologists choose to establish a personal connection with the interviewees based on empathy and trust, while others go the opposite way. Howard Becker (1970) claimed that the aggressive interviewing style works very well in revealing hidden racist biases in people. Types of interviews in sociologyThere are a number of interview formats used in sociological research: structured, unstructured, semi-structured, and group interviews. Structured interviewsThese are often referred to as formal or standardised interviews. Their main characteristic is that the interviewer has a set list of questions which they ask of all the respondents in the same order, in the same way. This list is essentially a pre-written questionnaire, which the interviewer asks in person to each participant. The structured interview is considered to be a quantitative research method since it allows comparison between the respondents. It is usually used for surface-level research into their lives. Advantages of structured interviews
Disadvantages of structured interviews
Examples of structured interviews in sociologyThe research of Young and Willmott (1962) on the importance of the extended family was based on structured interviews. They wanted to focus on the whole of London, so structured interviews were a good choice in terms of time efficiency. Structured interviews also provided high generalisability in their research on the extended family. Unstructured interviewsThese are also known as informal or discovery interviews. An unstructured interview resembles a guided conversation where both the interviewer and the interviewee can ask various questions about a specific topic, regardless of what the researcher asked other respondents. The goal of unstructured interviews is to gain an understanding of the complex behaviour, thoughts, and feelings of the respondent. This makes them very useful for examining sensitive topics. Some sociologists claim that unstructured interviews are the most effective when they are combined with participant observation. Advantages of unstructured interviews
Disadvantages of unstructured interviews
Examples of unstructured interviews in sociologyDobash and Dobash (1971) researched domestic violence with the help of police reports and unstructured interviews. The unstructured interviews allowed the researchers to create a safer and more comfortable environment for the participants and ask further questions. They discovered important things that the victims did not mention in the police reports. Feminism and unstructured interviewsFeminist sociologists often use unstructured interviews, as they believe this format empowers their respondents and makes sure that their true voices are heard, unlike in the case of traditional, structured interviews. Feminists argue that emotions have an important role in the pursuit of truth because feelings are the result of social action. Since emotions can only be studied (or even noticed) in an unstructured, in-depth interview where the interviewees feel at ease, they are preferable. In such conversational interviews, the hierarchy between researcher and subject disappears, and the people studied are also less likely to be exploited. According to feminists, women were especially exploited through traditional interviews, because the data collected was then misinterpreted and used against women’s interests.
The British sociologist Ann Oakley is a big supporter of unstructured interviews. In 1974, she interviewed women before and after they gave birth. The interviews were long and in-depth. She noted that all the women asked her questions during the interviews, which she tried to answer as honestly and extensively as she could. This was to create an environment where the interviewees were just as much a part of creating the research as she was. Oakley also found that the women became interested in the research and later called her to share even more information. Semi-structured interviewsSemi-structured interviews are interviews where the researcher has a fixed list of questions, which is the same for each respondent. However, they have a degree of flexibility as researchers can diverge from the questions and ask different ones if the conversation goes in a new direction. Fig. 2 - In group interviews, the researcher asks questions to multiple respondents at the same time. Group interviewsGroup interviews are interviews where the researcher asks questions from more than one respondent at the same place and time. They tend to be unstructured, and their success is highly dependent on the dynamics of the group. This means that they are especially difficult to replicate. Examples of group interviews in sociologyWright et al. (2005) conducted research on the educational experience of African-Caribbean boys. They used group interviews. The students felt more comfortable among their friends and gave fuller answers to the questions. Wright et al. found out that the boys felt excluded and discriminated against in school. Interviews - Key takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions about Interviews
The main characteristic of a structured interview is that the interviewer has a set list of questions, which they ask of all the respondents in the same order, in the same way. The question list is essentially a pre-written questionnaire, which the interviewer asks each and every participant. Semi-structured interviews are interviews where the researcher has a fixed list of questions, which is the same for each respondent. However, they have a degree of flexibility as researchers can diverge from the questions and ask different ones if the conversation goes in a new direction. An unstructured interview resembles a guided conversation where both the interviewer and the interviewee are able to ask various questions about a specific topic, regardless of what the researcher asked other respondents. The goal of unstructured interviews is to gain an understanding of the complex behaviour, thoughts, and feelings of the respondent. This makes them very useful for examining sensitive topics. The interview is one of the primary methods of sociological data collection. They are usually used by sociologists to research more sensitive or complex subjects and to gain in-depth knowledge of people’s ways of thinking and feeling about a specific topic. First, researchers must create an interview schedule. After the interview, the researcher has to create a transcript, which means they have to reproduce everything said during the interview in a written format. In order to do this well, researchers usually record their interviews. Final Interviews Quiz
Answer An interview is a verbal interaction between an interviewer and one or more respondents. Interviews can be conducted in person, on the phone or through video chat. But in each case, they are a more direct and personal interaction between the interviewer and the respondent than a questionnaire. Show question
Question Which method of sociological data collection does the interview belong to? Show answer Answer The interview is one of the primary methods of sociological data collection. Show question
Question What is in the interview schedule? Show answer Answer In the case of structured interviews, the interview schedule contains the set list of questions the researcher aims to cover. In the case of unstructured or group interviews, the interview schedule usually consists of a collection of subjects and topics that the respondents are supposed to discuss. Show question
Question Why do researchers usually record their interviews? Show answer Answer After the interview, the researcher has to create a transcript, which means they have to reproduce everything said at the interview in a written format. In order to do this well, researchers usually record their interviews. Show question
Question What are the four types of interview in sociology? Show answer Answer
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Question What are the advantages of structured interviews? Show answer Answer
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Question What are the disadvantages of structured interviews? Show answer Answer
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Question What are the advantages of unstructured interviews? Show answer Answer
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Question Give an example of an unstructured interview from sociology. Show answer Answer Joan Smith (1998) used unstructured interviews to gain detailed information on the familial backgrounds of young homeless people. Show question
Question What are the disadvantages of unstructured interviews? Show answer Answer
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Question Why did feminists often use unstructured interviews? Show answer Answer
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Question Which interview type did Ann Oakley prefer to use? Show answer Answer Ann Oakley was a big supporter of unstructured interviews. Show question
Question What are semi-structured interviews? Show answer Answer Semi-structured interviews are interviews where the researcher has a set list of questions, which is the same for each respondent. However, they can diverge from the questions and ask different ones if the conversation goes in a new direction. Show question
Question What are group interviews? Show answer Answer Group interviews are interviews where the researcher asks questions from more than one respondent at the same place and time. Group interviews tend to be unstructured and their success is highly dependent on the group dynamics. This means that they are especially difficult to replicate. Show question
Question Which interview style did Howard Becker support? Why? Show answer Answer Howard Becker (1970) claimed that the aggressive interviewing style worked very well in revealing hidden racist feelings in people. Show question Discover the right content for your subjectsNo need to cheat if you have everything you need to succeed! Packed into one app!Study PlanBe perfectly prepared on time with an individual plan. QuizzesTest your knowledge with gamified quizzes. FlashcardsCreate and find flashcards in record time. NotesCreate beautiful notes faster than ever before. Study SetsHave all your study materials in one place. DocumentsUpload unlimited documents and save them online. Study AnalyticsIdentify your study strength and weaknesses. Weekly GoalsSet individual study goals and earn points reaching them. Smart RemindersStop procrastinating with our study reminders. RewardsEarn points, unlock badges and level up while studying. Magic MarkerCreate flashcards in notes completely automatically. Smart FormattingCreate the most beautiful study materials using our templates. Sign up to highlight and take notes. It’s 100% free. Is an interview time consuming?Interviewing is potentially a time-consuming and expensive method. Accessing interviewees, in some cases, may be difficult and involve much effort.
Which type of interview is time saving interview?Group interviews are conducted to save time when there is a large number of applications for a few job vacancies. A topic will be given to discuss among the candidates and the interviewer judges the innovativeness and behavior of each candidate in the group.
What are the 3 types of interviews?Structured interviews: The questions are predetermined in both topic and order. Semi-structured interviews: A few questions are predetermined, but other questions aren't planned. Unstructured interviews: None of the questions are predetermined.
What are the 4 types of interviews?4 different types of interviews - and how you should be tackling.... 1) The phone call. Hiring managers will often suggest a phone call as a first stage interview. ... . 2) The panel interview. ... . 3) The competency test. ... . 4) The virtual assessment centre. ... . Prepare for your future with Travis Perkins.. |