in depth interview.1
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TRANSCRIPT
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