Unstructured Interview: Flexible and Open-ended Discussion

An unstructured interview is a type of interview where the interviewer does not determine the format or subject to be discussed. It leaves the interviewee with major control of the conversation.

An unstructured interview is a flexible and open-ended interview format where the interviewer does not have a predetermined set of questions or specific topics to cover. Instead, the conversation is free-flowing and largely directed by the interviewee. This approach differs significantly from structured or semi-structured interviews, where the interviewer follows a set script or guideline.

Types of Unstructured Interviews

Informal Conversational Interview

This type involves casual, spontaneous questions as part of a discussion, allowing for a natural flow of conversation without a specific direction or formal agenda.

Narrative Interview

The interviewee is encouraged to tell stories or share experiences, providing rich, qualitative data that emerges naturally through their narration.

Special Considerations

• Flexibility: Allows for the exploration of spontaneous topics and probing deeper into unexpected areas of interest.
• Interviewee Comfort: Can put the interviewee at ease, promoting more genuine and detailed responses.
• Data Handling: Requires careful attention to data collection and analysis, as the diverse and unstructured responses need to be organized and interpreted effectively.

Examples of Unstructured Interviews

• Psychological Interviews: Often used in clinical settings to understand a patient’s history, thoughts, and feelings without leading them with specific questions.
• Ethnographic Research: Anthropologists and sociologists use unstructured interviews to gather in-depth understanding of cultural practices and social behaviors.

Historical Context

The unstructured interview technique has roots in early 20th-century qualitative research. Sociologists and anthropologists pioneered this method to capture the complexities of human experiences and cultural nuances that rigid questionnaires could not reveal.

Comparisons with Other Interview Types

• Structured Interview: Uses a fixed set of questions, limiting responses and ensuring uniformity across interviewees.
• Semi-Structured Interview: Combines elements of both structured and unstructured interviews, where the interviewer follows a guide but allows for deviations based on interviewee responses.
• Unstructured Interview: Entirely flexible, with no predetermined questions, allowing the conversation to be fully directed by the interviewee.

Related Terms

• Qualitative Research: Research methods that collect non-numeric data to understand concepts, thoughts, or experiences.
• Open-Ended Questions: Questions that cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no,” encouraging detailed and elaborate responses.
• Ethnography: The systematic study of people and cultures from the perspective of the subject.

FAQs

What are the advantages of unstructured interviews?

Unstructured interviews provide the freedom to explore unexpected topics in depth, capturing rich and detailed qualitative data. They foster a relaxed atmosphere for the interviewee, often leading to more genuine and comprehensive responses.

What are the disadvantages of unstructured interviews?

The lack of structure can result in data that is difficult to quantify and analyze. Interviews can also be time-consuming, and there’s a risk of deviating off-topic, making it challenging to draw relevant conclusions.

How do I prepare for an unstructured interview?

Research your interviewee and the broader context of the topic area. Be adaptable, listen actively, and be prepared to follow up on interesting points that emerge organically during the conversation.

References

1. Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (2011). The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research. SAGE Publications.
2. Bryman, A. (2016). Social Research Methods. Oxford University Press.

Summary

An unstructured interview is an invaluable tool in qualitative research, providing freedom for in-depth exploration and allowing interviewees to steer the conversation. While it offers rich and authentic data, it demands careful handling in terms of data organization and analysis. Understanding its application and limitations ensures effective use in research settings.