A semi-structured interview is a qualitative method of inquiry that combines a pre-determined set of open questions (questions that prompt discussion) with the opportunity for the interviewer to explore particular themes or responses further.

A semi-structured interview does not limit respondents to a set of pre-determined answers (unlike a structured questionnaire);

And they often provide valuable information that wasn’t anticipated by the researcher.

such that the interviewee is simply given a license to talk freely about whatever comes up.

Unlike formal interviews, which follow a rigid format of set questions, semi-structured interviews focus on specific themes but cover them in a conversational style. They are often the best way for learning about the motivations behind people’s choices and behaviour, their attitudes and beliefs, and the impacts on their lives of specific policies or events. And they often provide valuable information that wasn’t anticipated by the researcher.

PREPARATION

• Contact the respondent in advance and explain them the goal of the interview.

Make sure that you are clear as to what information you want to obtain. It is important that you are clear as to who you want to speak to, how you will collect the information (recording, notes etc)

It is important, and ethically important, to be open and transparent with the interviewee as to why you are wanting to speak to them, and how the information will be used.

• Location

Wherever is convenient and comfortable for the interviewee.

schedule an appointment and agree on where the interview will be held. The place selected should be neutral, confidential, comfortable, quiet, free of distractions, and easily accessible for the respondent.

• Timing

Schedule the interviews around times that suit the interviewees. Tell them how long the conversation will take and stick to it.

Recording AnswersRecording answers can be done through taking notes, audio-recording, or both. One of the constraints to audio-recording is whether the respondent will feel at ease answering questions.

Prepare your Interview Guideline

Write down a number of general questions that you would like to discuss, and think of the more detailed sub-questions that can be attributed to the general questions.

Mark key questions that you really need to have an answer to

Conducting Interviews

• An easy way to start an interview is to introduce yourself to the respondent and then remind him/her of the topics to be discussed.

• Consent and confidentiality.

If the interview is to be recorded, the respondent must be asked for his/her written or verbal consent and reminded that his/her statements will be kept confidential at all times. If he/she refuses, notes must be taken instead.

• Develop a rapport with the respondent

Obtaining meaningful information from a respondent will be easier if they are comfortable opening up to the interviewer. This can be done by asking non-probing questions such as how they are going, commenting on their garden and asking them if they spend much time gardening etc.

• Ask questions that lead detailed answers

It is important that you phrase questions in a way that gets respondents to provide detailed answers, rather than simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ answers.

Open probe: Ask the ‘wh’ questions: who, what, when, where, why, how?

• Respect the respondent’s pace

Interviewers should not judge what respondents say.

Try not to show any visible judgement of what is being said, especially if you disagree with, or are shocked by, what you hear because your reaction may affect what else you are told.

• Be sure to cover all of the pertinent topics included in the interview plan.

Slide 5

AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW

• Ask the interviewee if they would like to ask you any questions

• Interviewers must then thank the respondent for participating

• Soon after the interview, it is a good idea to summarize what the respondent said and to write down your impressions and any things that stood out.

A good practice is for the interviewer to summarize the key points that they feel the respondent has provided, as this provides the respondent with a final chance to expand or clarify any points.

Basic Correspondence for Data Gathering/Retrieval

PREPARING BASIC CORRESPONDENCE FOR DATA GATTHERING

Correspondence is necessary when you will already be at the process of communicating with target respondents or institutions whose involvement plays a role in your research. This happens when you, perhaps, will already be obtaining permission from a school official to disseminate data-gathering instruments, or when you need to establish an appointment with a resource person for your interview or need to request the use of instructional materials/equipment for your research.

Correspondence

Any written or digital communication exchanged by two or more parties. Correspondences may come in the form of letters, emails, text messages, voicemails, notes, or postcards.