Unstructured interviews as a method for your research

What is an unstructured interview?

The unstructured interview differs from other interview methods in that it does not involve using a pre-prepared questionnaire. Instead, you identify topics that serve as guidelines during the interview. You spontaneously come up with questions based on the conversation. Like with a semi-structured interview, you employ open questions. Thus, an unstructured interview resembles a natural conversation. You approach the interview with an open mindset and let the conversation evolve based on what is being said. This allows you to ask follow-up questions about specific answers and delve even deeper into the subject matter. Consider, for example, a narrative interview, in which the respondent tells a story and is often only asked an introductory question.

When do you opt for an unstructured interview?

In qualitative research, an unstructured interview is often utilized. During this type of interview, you listen to the complete narrative of the individual being interviewed and strive to comprehend their true intentions. Afterwards, after conducting multiple interviews, you analyze the results to derive suitable conclusions. Conducting an unstructured interview is akin to unraveling a challenging puzzle, as you merge various individuals’ stories together in order to gain a deeper insight into the theme you are investigating.

Although unstructured interviews can yield valuable and in-depth results, they require significant time and effort for conducting, transcribing, and analyzing conversations. If you have time constraints or prefer more structure, semi-structured or structured interviews may be more suitable methods.

Advantages and disadvantages of unstructured interviews

Unstructured interviews can provide a wealth of information. However, it is essential for the method to be suitable for you. Below, we will list the advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

Unstructured interviews offer the opportunity to gather comprehensive information on a specific topic, making it an ideal method for conducting research on topics with limited knowledge. This allows for the acquisition of original insights.

Asking open-ended questions can generate qualitative data, revealing subtle nuances.

As a researcher, being flexible in the conversation enables you to naturally guide the discussion in various directions, based on the respondent’s reactions.

Disadvantages

Effective conversation and listening skills are necessary in this type of interview in order to keep the conversation flowing smoothly, respond promptly to important information, and maintain focus on the intended outcome.

It is important to be aware that, since there is no fixed structure, there is a possibility of gathering irrelevant information. Thus, it is essential to stay alert and consistently focus on your research question and desired result.

When conducting an unstructured interview, the collected data can be challenging to standardize and compare, which can ultimately decrease reliability and validity.

Additionally, the process of transcription and data analysis may be time-consuming due to the abundance of unstructured information obtained during the conversations. This is especially true considering that not all the information gathered may be relevant to your research.

How do you approach an unstructured interview?

Unstructured interviews require thorough preparation above all. Begin by making a list beforehand of the topics and aspects you wish to explore. For instance, in a narrative interview, the objective is to encourage the interviewee to share a story. Then, create a concise list of key points you intend to discuss. Following the storytelling, you can pose additional questions to delve deeper into specific areas.

During the interview, it is advisable to take notes to document important information. To ensure that no details are missed, it is also helpful to make an audio recording. Obtain permission from the interviewee to do this prior to the conversation.

It is crucial to ensure the reliability of your findings as well. In an unstructured interview, give the interviewee ample room to express themselves. Facilitate the conversation by asking open-ended, unbiased questions. Avoid sharing personal anecdotes or opinions that might influence the interviewee’s responses.

Moreover, it is important to avoid asking leading questions, such as, “Were you hurt at the time?” These types of questions already steer the interviewee’s answers in a particular direction. Additionally, make certain that the interviewee feels comfortable. This will prevent them from providing socially desirable answers. Creating a relaxed atmosphere and genuinely listening to what the interviewee has to say are effective ways to achieve this.

How do you incorporate the interview results into your thesis?

After conducting an interview, it is a common practice to transcribe the interviews. You can choose from different options:

Transcribing verbatim: This process entails accurately writing down everything that is said, including hesitations, repetitions, and filler words like “uh.” The aim is to document the respondent’s exact words and manner of speech, including any periods of silence.
Summary transcribing: Using this approach, you will provide a condensed summary of the conversation without directly using the respondent’s words. Instead, you will offer a succinct overview of the main points and ideas discussed during the conversation.

After transcribing, it is time to analyze the results. This involves relating the findings to the theoretical basis of your research. This analysis leads to conclusions that can be used to support your argumentation. Typically, the entire interview is not included in the thesis but is added as an appendix with references in the text.

When incorporating the interview into your thesis, you have the option to use direct quotes or paraphrase the words of the interviewee. It is important to only include those parts of the interview that are relevant to your storyline.

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