What is the primary difference between a structured and an unstructured interview?

The difference lies in the level of pre-determination. Structured interviews use a fixed script and order, while unstructured interviews allow the conversation to develop naturally based on the participant's responses.

How does an interview differ from a questionnaire in terms of data collection?

Interviews involve direct interaction, allowing the researcher to clarify questions and observe non-verbal behavior, whereas questionnaires are usually completed independently by the participant without researcher intervention.

When should a researcher choose a semi-structured interview over a structured one?

A researcher should choose a semi-structured interview when they have specific topics to cover but also want the flexibility to ask follow-up questions to explore interesting points raised by the participant.

What is a common mistake regarding the relationship between interview structure and question types?

A common error is assuming structured interviews only use closed questions. In reality, structured interviews can use open questions; the 'structure' refers to the fixed order and wording of the questions, not the question format.

Why is 'social desirability bias' a significant concern in interviews?

Because interviews involve direct human interaction, participants are more likely to give answers that make them look good or socially acceptable rather than being completely honest, which reduces the validity of the data.

What error occurs if a researcher fails to standardize a structured interview?

If the researcher changes the wording or order for different participants, the study loses its reliability and replicability, making it impossible to fairly compare the results across the sample.

Define a 'Structured Interview'.

A research method where the interviewer asks a set of pre-prepared questions in a fixed order, ensuring every participant experiences the exact same procedure.

Define an 'Unstructured Interview'.

A flexible research method that resembles a conversation, where the researcher does not use a fixed list of questions but instead follows the participant's lead to gather rich qualitative data.

What is 'Self-Report' data?

Data that comes directly from the individual describing their own thoughts, feelings, or behaviors, rather than being observed or measured objectively by a third party.

Why do unstructured interviews often have higher validity than structured ones?

They allow participants to express themselves in their own words and discuss what they find important, providing a more authentic and detailed representation of their true thoughts and feelings.

Interviews | OCR GCSE Psychology

Interviews

Summary

Interviews are a primary self-report research method used to gather detailed information about a participant's internal states, including thoughts, feelings, and attitudes. They range from highly standardized structured formats to flexible, conversational unstructured formats, each offering different levels of reliability and depth.

1. Definition & Core Concepts

An interview is a self-report method where a researcher asks questions directly to a participant, typically in a face-to-face, telephonic, or digital video format.

The primary goal is to gain qualitative insight into the participant's subjective experiences, which might be difficult to capture through purely observational or experimental methods.

Unlike questionnaires, interviews involve a dynamic interaction where the researcher can observe non-verbal cues and provide immediate clarification if a question is misunderstood.

2. Types of Interviews

Structured Interviews

Standardization: These involve a fixed set of pre-determined questions asked in a specific order to every participant, ensuring the procedure is identical for all.
Replicability: Because the process is highly controlled, it is easy for other researchers to replicate the study to check for reliability of the findings.

Unstructured Interviews

Flexibility: These function more like a natural conversation where the researcher starts with a general topic but allows the participant's responses to guide the direction of the interview.
Depth: This approach prioritizes 'rich' qualitative data, allowing participants to elaborate on their views in their own words without being constrained by a script.

A comparison diagram showing the linear, step-by-step nature of structured interviews versus the fluid, non-linear path of unstructured interviews.

3. Key Distinctions

The fundamental difference between interview types lies in the level of control the researcher exerts over the interaction.

Feature	Structured Interview	Unstructured Interview
Preparation	Questions written in advance	General themes identified
Data Type	Quantitative or Qualitative	Primarily Qualitative
Reliability	High (standardized)	Low (unique to participant)
Validity	Moderate (limited by script)	High (depth of insight)

Semi-structured interviews (a middle ground) use a set of core questions but allow the interviewer to probe further based on the participant's answers.

4. Evaluation: Strengths and Weaknesses

5. Exam Strategy & Tips