Essay Sample on Types of Interviews: Formal, Informal, Structured & Unstructured

Introduction

According to Young & Atkinson (2012), an interview is a type of conversation whereby one side asks the questions and the other side responds. Interviews are used for obtaining information from the respondents. Normally, it is a one-on-one conversation. There are various types of interviews. The type used for a particular case depends on factors such as the setting, the kind of information that the interview wants to get, and the nature of data involved. For instance, it could be formal, informal, qualitative, and quantitative and structured among many others. This paper explores the potential of qualitative interviews. Although interviews are like a conversation, the qualitative interviews have distinct differences in that the interviewer uses it for research by preparing the questions in advance and analyses and presents the information gathered. It ensures the collection of both detailed rich information about the topics of interest. This essay explores the potential of qualitative interviews.

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There are different types of qualitative interviews. The differences between the types are as a result of the purpose of the interview (Young & Atkinson, 2012). The main types are five. Firstly, ethnography is the most common qualitative research method. This type of qualitative interview is whereby the interviewer studies cultural anthropology and study the culture for a prolonged period. It is experienced first-hand. The second method is the narrative type of qualitative interview. In this type, a story is developed by combining a series of occurrences from at least one person. It involves both the reading of documents and carrying out an in-depth interview. It can be carried out for a long period of time and it helps in finding how a particular narrative affects life in large. Its requirement of not having to be in a chronological gives a good opportunity for reconciling any conflicting stories and for innovating.

Thirdly, phenomenological is a type of qualitative interview used for the description of an activity or event. In this case, interviews are done, places and events visited and documents are also read. This will enable the interview to comprehend the meaning which the respondents have for the factor under examination. The researcher has to depend on the view of those participating in the research. Next, the grounded theory type of qualitative interview is carried out to find an explanation for the events (Easterby-Smith, Thorpe, & Jackson, 2018). Once data is obtained, existing documents and basic interviews are used for developing a theory (Kirby, 2002). Coded and axial techniques are used for building the theory and themes. In this case, the sample size used is large. This increases the chances of having a better theory. Finally, the case study type of qualitative interview was designed by the Harvard Business School. This is used for explaining an organization or event or even a company. This type requires a high understanding by employing different types of information. There are three main types of case studies. They are explanatory, exploratory or one that describes an event.

The types of qualitative interview discussed above have advantages or disadvantages. To begin with, the expert interviews help in providing possible insight into the comprehension of future events (Underwood, 2013). Secondly, it provides a source for future intelligence. Thirdly, this type of interview will result in the gathering of extra information since the experts being interviewed can be willing to go far beyond the requested information. Finally, it provides a way of double-checking the conclusions of the previous intelligence team. It expert interview also has its drawbacks. For instance, the interview could ask the expert biased questions thus diluting the value of the collected information. Secondly, some of the experts could have a bias or even be stuck in past experience and therefore their response will be affected (Underwood, 2013). As an illustration, an expert who is stubborn could force the members of a group interview into a consensus.

The narrative interview also has both advantages and disadvantages. To begin with the advantages, the narrative technique is flexible. Thus, the managers or the interviewers can customize the contents of the interview. Secondly, the narrative technique helps in the improvement of the quality of the collected information (Ferraro & Andreatta, 2018). Finally, the method does not create an illusion of objectivity. Despite their concrete advantages, the narrative technique has drawbacks. First of all, it is not easy for the interviewee to recall all the parts of the event (Ferraro & Andreatta, 2018). This case mostly affects the results of the events took place a long time ago. The only solution to this is by conducting the interview after the occurrence of the event being narrated. Secondly, it depends on the skills of both the narrator and the listener. For instance, it is difficult to write a clear description offered by the respondent. Moreover, the narratives do not offer any statistical values and thus it is difficult to arrange them in ascending order. Any statistical summaries may be inaccurate and subjective. It is only effective if the interviewers and the interviewee write both clearly and concisely.

Finally, the ethnography type of interview is useful for helping people to understand both their cultures and those of other people (Kolb, 2017). This will open their mind and make appreciate the diversity that is in the world. Thus, discrimination based on gender, religion, and color can be reduced. Secondly, this type of qualitative interview will help businesses in understanding their target markets. Essentially, the businesses will be able to understand the people who are buying their products and why they are buying. Thus, they will develop better strategies to market the goods thereby increasing their sales. Finally, this type of research increases the understanding of the behavior of human beings (Kolb, 2017). However, the ethnography method has some disadvantages. For instance, the selection of the sample is not easy. This is because although the people may belong to the same group they have different personal experiences. Secondly, the method takes time and it requires that the researcher develop a good relationship with the respondents. Finally, it depends on the honesty of the respondents.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the interview could appear as a normal conversation but through it, the interviewer is able to gather a lot of information. The information could be applied to different uses. The qualitative interview enables the collection of qualitative data. It has five main types which are all useful depending on the nature of the research and the purpose of the data. An interview should carefully select the type that is fit for a particular purpose.

References

Easterby-Smith, M., Thorpe, R., & Jackson, P. (2018). Management and business research. Los Angeles: SAGE.

Ferraro, G. P., & Andreatta, S. (2018). Cultural anthropology: An applied perspective. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Kirby, M. (2002). Sociology in perspective. Oxford: Heinemann.

Kolb, B. M. (2017). Marketing research: A practical approach. Los Angeles: SAGE.

Underwood, J. (2013). Competitive intelligence for Dummies: A Wiley Brand. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.

Young, K., & Atkinson, M. (2012). Qualitative research on sport and physical culture. Bingley: Emerald.