What Is Depth Interview?

An in-depth exploration of depth interviews, conducted in person by trained interviewers to understand consumer motivations during the purchase decision process.

A depth interview, also known as an in-depth interview, is a qualitative research technique conducted in person and typically in the field—such as a consumer’s home or a public place—rather than in the researcher’s office. This technique involves a trained interviewer engaging with respondents to explore their underlying motivations, attitudes, and feelings regarding their purchase decisions.

Primary Objective

The purpose of a depth interview is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the psychological and emotional factors that influence consumer behavior. Unlike structured surveys, depth interviews are flexible and adaptive, allowing exploration of in-depth insights that can be critical for developing marketing strategies.

Conducting Depth Interviews

Roles and Responsibilities

• Interviewer

  • Trained in qualitative research techniques.
  • Skilled in building rapport and eliciting honest responses.
  • Capable of adaptive questioning based on respondent’s answers.

• Respondent

  • Typically selected based on specific criteria relevant to the research.
  • Provides genuine insights into their personal experience and motivations.

Process

• Preparation

  • Develop a guide outlining key topics and questions.
  • Select a comfortable and neutral field setting to minimize respondent biases.

• Interview Execution

  • Build rapport and ensure respondent comfort.
  • Encourage open-ended responses and explore answers thoroughly.
  • Use probing techniques to uncover deeper motivations.

• Data Recording

  • Employ audio or video recordings, with the respondent’s consent.
  • Take detailed notes focusing on verbal and non-verbal cues.

Analytical Techniques

• Thematic Analysis
  • Identify common themes and patterns across interviews.
• Narrative Analysis
  • Understand the stories and experiences shared by respondents.
• Grounded Theory
  • Develop theories based on the collected qualitative data.

Historical Context of Depth Interviews

Depth interviews have their roots in psychoanalytic theory and motivational research developed in the mid-20th century. These techniques were initially used to understand consumer subconscious motivations, particularly in advertising and product development.

Contributions

• Ernest Dichter, known as the pioneer of motivational research, emphasized understanding consumer motivations beyond superficial answers.

Examples of Depth Interviews

Example 1: A depth interview with a consumer in their home exploring their brand loyalty towards a particular product, uncovering emotional connections and habitual buying patterns.

Example 2: An interview conducted in a public place with a frequent coffee buyer, revealing their preferences for local coffee shops due to atmosphere and community impact rather than just product quality.

Applicability

Depth interviews are especially useful in:

• Product Development
  • Understanding user needs and preferences for better product innovation.
• Marketing Strategies
  • Crafting messages that resonate on an emotional level with target consumers.
• Customer Experience Improvement
  • Gaining insights into pain points and opportunities for enhancing user satisfaction.

Comparisons

Depth Interviews vs. Focus Groups

• Depth Interviews

  • One-on-one interaction allows for deeper exploration.
  • Minimizes peer influence on respondent’s answers.

• Focus Groups

  • Group dynamics can reveal collective viewpoints.
  • May lead to conformity or peer pressure influencing responses.

Related Terms

• Motivational Research: Thorough investigation of the psychological motives driving consumer behavior, often utilizing depth interviews as a primary tool.

FAQs

How long does a depth interview typically last?

Depth interviews usually last between 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the topics covered.

Are depth interviews expensive to conduct?

While depth interviews can be more costly than surveys due to the need for trained interviewers and time-intensive analysis, they offer valuable qualitative insights.

Can depth interviews be conducted remotely?

Yes, with advancements in technology, depth interviews can be conducted via video calls, though in-field interviews may provide richer context.

References

• McCracken, G. (1988). The Long Interview. Sage Publications.
• Dichter, E. (1960). The Strategy of Desire. Doubleday.
• Kvale, S. (1996). Interviews: An Introduction to Qualitative Research Interviewing. Sage Publications.

Summary

Depth interviews are a crucial qualitative research technique for understanding consumer motivations in various fields. Conducted by trained interviewers, these interviews provide valuable insights into the psychological and emotional factors that drive purchase decisions. They are especially useful in product development, marketing strategy formulation, and improving customer experiences.