Module teaching and integrating language skills lesson 1

Unstructured interviews are flexible.

	They have few restrictions.
	If preplanned questions are asked, they are altered to suit the situation and subjects.
	Subjects are encouraged to express their thoughts freely.
	Only a few questions are asked to direct their answers.
	In some instances, the information is obtained in such a casual manner that the respondents are not aware they are being interviewed.

Advantages of the unstructured interview:

	One can penetrate behind initial answers.
	One can follow up unexpected clues.
	One can redirect the inquiry into more fruitful channels.
	It is very helpful in the exploratory stage of research.

Disadvantages of the unstructured interview:

	Difficult to quantify the accumulated qualitative data.
	One usually cannot compare data from various interviews and derive generalizations that are universally applicable because of the nonuniform tactics employed.
	Unstructured interviews are not ordinarily employed when testing and verifying hypotheses.

Factors to be considered before interviewing

	Determine when to interview.
	Determine if the respondent is telling the truth.
	Consideration for sources of bias.

Four specific sources of error

	Errors in asking questions occur whenever an inappropriate question is asked where the response to the question will not satisfy the objectives of the investigation.
	Errors in probing occur when the interviewer does not allow the respondent sufficient time to respond or when he anticipates what the response will be.
	Errors in motivating respondents can be a source of invalidity. Unless respondents are motivated by interviewers to answer questions to the best of their ability, they are likely to be uncooperative.
	Errors in recording responses occur when the interviewer records the respondent’s answers inaccurately by omitting information.