Interview vs. Semi-Structured Interview

Attribute	Interview	Semi-Structured Interview
Format	Structured	Semi-Structured
Flexibility	Low	High
Question Types	Fixed	Open-ended and fixed
Preparation	Less	More
Control	High	Medium

Introduction

Interviews are a common method used in qualitative research to gather data from participants. There are different types of interviews, including structured, semi-structured, and unstructured interviews. In this article, we will focus on comparing the attributes of interview and semi-structured interview.

Definition

An interview is a method of data collection where a researcher asks questions to a participant to gather information on a specific topic. It can be conducted in person, over the phone, or through video conferencing. On the other hand, a semi-structured interview is a type of interview where the researcher has a set of predetermined questions but also has the flexibility to ask follow-up questions based on the participant's responses.

Flexibility

One of the key differences between an interview and a semi-structured interview is the level of flexibility in the questioning process. In a traditional interview, the researcher asks a set of predetermined questions in a specific order without deviating from the script. This can limit the depth of the conversation and may not allow for exploration of new ideas or topics that arise during the interview. In contrast, a semi-structured interview allows the researcher to ask follow-up questions or probe further into certain areas based on the participant's responses, leading to a more in-depth and nuanced conversation.

Preparation

Another difference between an interview and a semi-structured interview is the level of preparation required. In a traditional interview, the researcher needs to carefully plan and script the questions in advance to ensure that all relevant topics are covered. This can be time-consuming and may limit the researcher's ability to adapt to the flow of the conversation. On the other hand, a semi-structured interview requires less preparation as the researcher only needs to have a general outline of questions and can improvise based on the participant's responses. This allows for a more natural and organic conversation to take place.

Participant Engagement

Participant engagement is another important factor to consider when comparing an interview and a semi-structured interview. In a traditional interview, the structured nature of the questioning process can sometimes make participants feel like they are being interrogated or that their responses are being guided by the researcher. This can lead to a less authentic and open conversation. In contrast, a semi-structured interview allows for more flexibility and back-and-forth dialogue between the researcher and the participant, creating a more engaging and collaborative environment for data collection.

Data Analysis

The type of data collected in an interview versus a semi-structured interview can also impact the data analysis process. In a traditional interview, the structured nature of the questions may result in more standardized responses that are easier to categorize and analyze. However, this can also lead to a lack of depth and richness in the data. On the other hand, a semi-structured interview may produce more varied and nuanced responses that require a more in-depth analysis process. Researchers may need to spend more time coding and interpreting the data to uncover patterns and themes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both interviews and semi-structured interviews are valuable methods for collecting qualitative data in research. While interviews provide a structured approach to data collection, semi-structured interviews offer more flexibility and depth in the conversation. Researchers should consider the specific research objectives and the nature of the data they wish to collect when deciding between an interview and a semi-structured interview.