Interviews SEMI STRUCTURED INTERVIEW The researcher starts off with structured questions but can then change them in the middle according to the participant's answers. Advantages:
detailed and rich which can explore interesting topics
open ended approach, where participants are able to elaborate on their answers
not so rigid, the research is able to change questions in response to participant's answers
good for collecting information on socially sensitive subjects as it is one to one
Disadvantages:
can go off track
data analysis of the interview can be time consuming
NARRATIVE INTERVIEW Only opening question is planned and all subsequent questions are constructed by the participant's answers. Advantages:
researcher can gain much more complex answers from participants
high ecological validity, more like a conversation
no education level needed, as it is structured like a conversation there isn't any educational requirements for the participants to have other than speaking the language
Disadvantages:
time consuming as there is no clear schedule/no knowing when to finish
participants answers can be easily misinterpreted
FOCUS GROUP INTERVIEW The researcher asks questions to more than one participant at once. (in small groups) Advantages:
less time consuming
high ecological validity as more like a normal conversation
can reveal group norms
Disadvantages:
conformity can occur
social desirability, participants may behave in a way others think is acceptable, not revealing true opinions