Collecting Data – Interviews and Observations

Interviews are one of the most important sources of information for case studies. There are several types of interviews. They are:

Open-ended - This type of interview has the interviewer and subject talking to each other about the subject. The interviewer asks questions, and the subject answers them. But the subject can elaborate and add information whenever they see fit.

Can you think of an example of a question that would be asked during an open-ended interview?

Focused - This type of interview is used when the subject is interviewed for a short period of time, and answers a set of questions. This type of interview could be used to verify information learned in an open-ended interview with another subject. Focused interviews are normally done to confirm information, not to gain new information.

Can you think of an example of a question that would be asked during a focused interview?

Structured - Structured interviews are similar to surveys. These are usually used when collecting data for large groups, like neighborhoods. The questions are decided before hand, and the expected answers are usually simple.

Can you think of an example of a question that would be asked during a structured interview?

When conducting interviews, the answers are obviously important. But just as important are the observations that can be made. This is one of the reasons in-person interviews are preferable over phone interviews, or Internet or mail surveys.

Some studies videotape sessions, so observations can be made after the interview. Others have colleagues sit in and record observations, while the main researcher performs the interview.