Semi-structured Interviews
Semi-structured interviews use a flexible framework of themes and pre-established questions, allowing for adaptation based on the individual session. This approach balances structure with the ability to explore emerging topics in more depth.
Use when you need to gather detailed information while still maintaining some consistency across interviews, allowing for exploration of individual perspectives.
Solves: Lack of depth in structured interviews, difficulty comparing unstructured data.
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Step 1: Develop an interview guide with key themes and open-ended questions. (60 minutes)
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Step 2: Review the guide and identify potential follow-up questions. (30 minutes)
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Step 3: Conduct the interview, adapting questions as needed based on the interviewee's responses. (45-90 minutes)
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Step 4: Take detailed notes, capturing both the answers and any emerging themes. (During interview)
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Step 5: Analyze the data by identifying common themes and patterns across interviews. (Variable)
- Listen actively and probe for more detail when needed.
- Be flexible and adapt the interview to the interviewee's responses.
- Use visual aids or prompts to stimulate discussion.
- Incorporate elements of storytelling to encourage richer responses.