Structured Interviews in Research: Consistency, Validity, and Data Comparison Essay

Data Collection Types

Data collection from respondents can be done in several ways, whether for research, entertainment, or informational purposes. Survey research is one of the most accessible collection procedures for further analysis. However, much more attention should be paid to interviews because the formulation of questions, the dialogue process, and the analysis require more resources.

Structured Interview and Its Questions

Research interviews come in several types, depending on the degree of rigor and consistency involved. A structured interview is a type of qualitative data collection from a respondent in which questions are formulated in advance and their sequence is defined. In the case of a structured interview, freedom of questions is not implied, and the entire sequence of questions is asked in the order in which it was initially created. This differs, for example, from a semi-structured interview in which discretion is implied, and questions, their wording, and sequences can be revised as the dialogue progresses (Dunn & Halonen, 2020).

While restricting the researcher’s actions, the structured interview systematizes and structures the data collection. It helps to ensure that different respondents give answers to the same questions, which means the validity of the results will not be compromised. Answers from different respondents are more quickly compared to each other, and the analysis is more straightforward compared to a semi-structured interview.

Example of Structured Interview Questions

For example, suppose the study is about exploring the romantic relationship of the partners, for a structured interview. In that case, it is necessary to use formulated questions that are not subject to change during the course of the dialogue:

1. «Please indicate how satisfied you are with your current relationship.»
2. «How often do you and your partner have quarrels and conflicts?»
3. «What causes conflicts, if any?»
4. «Do you see your mutual future as happy and stable?»
5. «What is lacking in your relationship so that you can be satisfied with it?»
6. «If you could change something about your partner, would you do it, and what would it be?»

Reference

Dunn, D. S., & Halonen, J. S. (2020). The psychology major’s companion. Everything you need to know to get you where you want to go. (2nd ed.). Worth Publishers.