Structured interviewing
Why is it important for structured interviews to follow a standardized procedure?
To increase validity, as the interview can be adapted for each respondent
To increase reliability, because all respondents receive the same interview stimulus
To allow for an in-depth exploration of the topic
To make it easier for untrained interviewers to carry out complex surveys
To increase reliability, because all respondents receive the same interview stimulus
The structured interview and the self-completion questionnaire are the two main ways of gathering quantitative data for social research. The same rules apply to each, with the obvious difference that interviews are conducted on a face-to-face basis. The procedure to be followed must be identical for each individual interview, so answer (a) cannot be correct. Far from increasing validity, this suggestion would destroy it! In-depth exploration of topics requires an unstructured interview, in which the respondent has the opportunity of expanding on particular points of view. It is probably easier to understand this by reflecting on the fact that structured interviews are frequently referred to as ‘standardized’ interviews. The questions, their ordering, and their accompanying instructions are standardized so that we can be sure that variation detected in the responses is credibly derived from the same instrument stimulus.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 198
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 198
To increase reliability, because all respondents receive the same interview stimulus The structured interview and the self-completion questionnaire are the two main ways of gathering quantitative data for social research. The same rules apply to each, with the obvious difference that interviews are conducted on a face-to-face basis. The procedure to be followed must be identical for each individual interview, so answer (a) cannot be correct. Far from increasing validity, this suggestion would destroy it! In-depth exploration of topics requires an unstructured interview, in which the respondent has the opportunity of expanding on particular points of view. It is probably easier to understand this by reflecting on the fact that structured interviews are frequently referred to as ‘standardized’ interviews. The questions, their ordering, and their accompanying instructions are standardized so that we can be sure that variation detected in the responses is credibly derived from the same instrument stimulus.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 198
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 198
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A filter question is one that:A. Ensures that all respondents are asked every question on the schedule and in the same order
B. Leaves a space for respondents to write long and detailed answers
C. Helps the interviewer to avoid asking irrelevant questions by directing them elsewhere on the schedule
D. Allows supervisors to distinguish between good and bad interviewers
Which of the following is not a disadvantage of telephone interviewing?
A. Researchers do not have to spend so much time and money on travelling
B. Some people in the target population may not own a telephone
C. It can be difficult to build rapport over the telephone
D. Interviewers cannot use visual cues such as show cards
Standardizing the interview schedule can reduce interviewer variation in terms of:
A. The way in which questions are phrased by the interviewer
B. The order in which questions are asked
C. The procedures used to code and analyse survey data
D. All of the above
A show card is:
A. One that prevents respondents from expressing their opinions about a statement
B. One that encourages explicit discussion of sensitive or personal information
C. One that prompts respondents to choose from a range of possible answers
D. One that researchers must present when they compete at pony club events
Which of the following might you include in an introductory letter to respondents?
A. An explanation of who you are and who is funding your research
B. An overview of what the research is about and how the data will be collected
C. A statement of their ethical rights to anonymity, confidentiality, etc.
D. All of the above
The acronym “CATI” stands for:
A. Camera-activated telescopic interviewing
B. Computer-assisted telephone interviewing
C. Corrective anti-terrorist interviewing
D. Critical analysis of telepathic interviewing
The response set of “acquiescence” can be a problem in that:
A. Some people consistently agree or disagree with a set of questions or items
B. Respondents tend to give answers that they think are socially desirable
C. The structured interview is so conducive to reciprocity that male respondents find it hard to stop talking
D. Researchers who wear very strong perfume will distract their respondents
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