Depth interview

From CEOpedia | Management online

Depth interview a discovery-oriented method that involves conducting intensive individual interviews with a small group of respondents. It can be used for a variety of purposes, including needs assessment, program improvement, problem identification and strategic planning. An in-depth interview is a conversation of a person with trained staff. The aim is to examine a person's perspective in terms of a specific idea, program or situation[1].

In-depth interviews involve not only asking questions but also systematic recording and documenting responses combined with an intensive study of deeper meaning and understanding of the response. Therefore, in-depth interviews often require repeated conversations with the target group during the study[2].

Features of Depth Interview

Open-ended Questions

Questions must be formulated so that respondents respond in an exhaustive way using their own words, so it is important to start with the questions "Why"or "How"[3].

Semi-structured Format

Refers to conducting an initial interview. The conversation should be debatable, so if possible, questions can be asked according to previously provided answers[4].

Seek Understanding and Interpretation

This concerns listen carefully, reflect on what the interlocutor is trying to convey. The interviewer's goal is to strive for clear and precise information[5].

Recording Responses

Answers are usually recorded and supplemented with written notes that cover verbal and non-verbal behaviors. They may contain personal reflections on the conducted interview[6].

Conducting an Depth Interview

1.Thematizing at this stage, it is important to specify the purpose of the interview. For example, what we want to know and which target group[7].

2.Designing related with the information which will be acquired during the interview process[8].

3.Interviewing at the beginning it is important to enter and clarify the purpose. The interviewer's function is to listen and observe. To calm the interlocutor and guide him in a comfortable manner by talking[9].

4.Transcribing it consists in creating the literal text of each interview using a recording[10].

5.Analyzing it concerns the re-reading of the transcription, information that emerges from the obtained responses[11].

6.Verifying involves checking the reliability of information[12].

7.Reporting creating written or oral reports that describe the results of the conversation. It is important to share the results with other stakeholders to encourage to future interviews[13].

Advantages of Depth Interview

The basic advantage of an in-depth interview is that they provide much more information than, for example, a survey. The information obtained is relatively more accurate. The conversation can take place in a freer atmosphere, which can generate more insightful responses. We need fewer participants to obtain useful information. You can monitor changes in tone, choice of words or body language[14] [15].

Disadvantages of Depth Interview

Data analysis takes a lot of time. The process can be expensive compared to other methods. The person conducting the interview should be trained in conducting interviews and analyzes. In turn, participants must be carefully selected to avoid mistakes, which may result in a longer verification process. Interviews cannot be generalized, they concern individual people[16][17].

Good Features of Interviewer

The interviewer guides the consumer through the entire interview process, which is why it is important to establish relationships and create a good environment. His task is to remain neutral, he should not express his own opinions or suggest answers. They care about the individual needs of each participant. He should managing time effectively and keeping the interview on schedule. Interviews can be conducted effectively face-to-face or over the phone[18].

Examples of Depth interview

  • In the context of market research, an in-depth interview might be used to gain insights into a customer's decision-making process when buying a product. Interviewers might ask customers to describe their shopping habits and the reasons why they chose a particular product.
  • In the context of healthcare, an in-depth interview might be used to gain a deeper understanding of a patient's experience. Interviewers might ask questions about the patient's symptoms, their overall wellbeing, and the impact of their condition on their life.
  • In the context of educational research, an in-depth interview might be used to gain insight into the challenges facing teachers. Interviewers might ask questions about the challenges they face in the classroom, the strategies they use to manage these challenges, and the support they need from their school.

Other approaches related to Depth interview

In addition to Depth Interviews, there are several other approaches that can be used for gathering data for needs assessment, program improvement, problem identification and strategic planning:

  • Focus Groups: Focus groups involve a group of people brought together and led by a facilitator to discuss a certain topic. This method enables the participants to share their experiences, opinions and perspectives on various topics.
  • Surveys: Surveys are a structured form of data collection, which involve asking respondents a set of questions in order to gain an understanding of their thoughts, opinions, or behaviours. Surveys can be administered online, by mail, or in-person.
  • Observations: Observations involve documenting and recording the behaviour of individuals or groups in a particular setting. This method allows researchers to observe the context in which certain behaviours are carried out and can provide valuable insight into a situation.
  • Document Review: Document review is the process of examining and evaluating documents such as reports, policies, and regulations. This method can be used to identify gaps or areas for improvement in an organization or program.

In summary, there are several approaches that can be used to collect data for needs assessment, program improvement, problem identification, and strategic planning, including Depth Interviews, Focus Groups, Surveys, Observations, and Document Review. Each of these methods has its own benefits and drawbacks, and it is important to consider which method is most appropriate for the particular situation.

Footnotes

  1. Boyce C., Neale P.(2006)
  2. Guion L.A., Diehl D.C., McDonald D.(2011)
  3. Guion L.A., Diehl D.C., McDonald D.(2011)
  4. Guion L.A., Diehl D.C., McDonald D.(2011)
  5. Guion L.A., Diehl D.C., McDonald D.(2011)
  6. Guion L.A., Diehl D.C., McDonald D.(2011)
  7. Guion L.A., Diehl D.C., McDonald D.(2011)
  8. Guion L.A., Diehl D.C., McDonald D.(2011)
  9. Guion L.A., Diehl D.C., McDonald D.(2011)
  10. Guion L.A., Diehl D.C., McDonald D.(2011)
  11. Guion L.A., Diehl D.C., McDonald D.(2011)
  12. Guion L.A., Diehl D.C., McDonald D.(2011)
  13. Guion L.A., Diehl D.C., McDonald D.(2011)
  14. Pascale K. (2015)
  15. Boyce C., Neale P.(2006)
  16. Boyce C., Neale P.(2006)
  17. Pascale K.(2015)
  18. Pascale K.(2015)


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References

Author: Anna Korzeń