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Interview

In evaluation research, the interview is an instrument used to assess data on the implementation process and outcome. Interviews can differ in their degree of standardisation (structured, semi-structured or unstructured interviews/indepth), the type of contact (face-to-face, telephone or written), or the number of people interviewed at the same time (individual or group interviews).

Semi-structured interview: The interviewer asks a number of open-ended questions and follows up on areas of interest in response to the information given. It allows more flexibility than a structured interview, which involves asking pre-set questions.
Indepth interview: A qualitative research technique that involves a detailed, face-to-face conversation between a researcher and a respondent on a particular issue or topic. It does not use pre-set questions.
Structured interview A research technique in which the interviewer asks all study participants a list of pre-set questions.

Interviews are the most commonly used data collection method in qualitative research, whereby the researcher conducts a dialogue with selected participants, often on a one-to-one basis, on a chosen topic of research interest. The difference between an interview and a normal conversation is that the direction of dialogue is mindfully guided by the investigator in accordance with specific research objectives, either with explicit, ordered questions, as in a structured interview; or with assurances and prompts, as in an unstructured interview....

For more information on interviews see How to conduct research for service improvement: a guidebook for health and social care professionals. on our Doing research webpage

How to conduct research for service improvement