Education
What is an Unstructured Interview?
An unstructured interview is a type of qualitative research method used in various fields, including psychology, sociology, and market research. Unlike structured interviews, which follow a rigid set of predetermined questions, unstructured interviews are more flexible and conversational.
Key features of unstructured interviews include:
- Open-ended questions: Allowing for detailed, nuanced responses.
- Flexibility: The interviewer can adapt questions based on the interviewee’s responses.
- In-depth exploration: Topics can be examined more thoroughly as they arise.
- Natural flow: The interview often feels more like a conversation than a formal Q&A.
While unstructured interviews can provide rich, detailed data and uncover unexpected insights, they can be challenging to analyze systematically and may be more susceptible to interviewer bias. They’re particularly useful for exploratory research or when dealing with sensitive topics.