Qualitative Research
Interview
A qualitative research technique that involves conducting intensive individual interviews with a small number of respondents.
What is Interview?
An interview is a conversational practice where knowledge is produced through the interaction between an interviewer and an interviewee. They can range from highly structured (standardized questions) to unstructured (free-flowing conversation).
Why Interview Matters
Interviews provide deep, nuanced insights into participants' experiences, motivations, and feelings that standardized questionnaires cannot capture.
Example
A researcher conducts semi-structured interviews with ICU nurses to deeply understand the emotional toll of their work environment.
Common Mistakes
- The interviewer talking too much and not letting the participant guide the narrative.
- Asking closed-ended 'yes/no' questions when seeking qualitative depth.