1.2.2 - Semi‑Structured Interviews
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Introduction to Semi-Structured Interviews
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Today, we're diving into semi-structured interviews. Can anyone tell me how they differ from structured interviews?
Structured interviews stick to a script, right? Only asking the same questions each time?
Exactly! Semi-structured interviews, however, have core questions but allow flexibility. This helps reveal deeper insights. Remember, think of the acronym 'FLEX' — Flexibility, Listening, Exploration, and eXperience!
So, we can ask follow-up questions if someone mentions something interesting?
Yes! That's the beauty of it. You get to probe deeper based on participants' responses. Why do you think that would be valuable?
It helps get beyond surface-level responses. We might learn what users really care about!
Exactly, well stated! This leads to more significant data collection crucial for informing product development.
To recap today: Semi-structured interviews blend guided questions with flexible ones, which enhance understanding.
Advantages and Limitations
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Now let’s discuss the advantages of semi-structured interviews. Who can share one benefit?
They allow for deeper insights compared to structured interviews.
Correct! Additionally, they can adapt based on conversation flow, adding richness. Now, what about limitations?
Maybe the analysis is harder since responses aren’t uniform?
Exactly! Analyzing varied answers takes more time. Remember the acronym 'CATS' for Consistency, Analysis, Time, and Skills, essential for managing semi-structured interviews. Can someone elaborate on why strong skills are required?
Interviewers need to be good listeners and know when to dig deeper!
Spot on! Practicing these skills helps in maximizing the value we derive from each interview.
In summary, while semi-structured interviews provide depth, they require analysis skills and adaptability.
Crafting the Questions
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Crafting effective questions is crucial. Let's brainstorm what kind of questions would be appropriate for a semi-structured interview about note-taking apps.
We could ask about daily usage, like 'How do you usually take notes?'
Great start! Now think about probing deeper—what could follow that question?
Maybe ask about challenges they face while taking notes?
Exactly! Using the funnel approach can help move from broader to specific. Remember 'CYCLE' for our strategy: Context, Yield, Customize, Listen, Engage. Let's practice! What’s a follow-up to the previous question?
What do you find most frustrating about your current method?
Perfect! This kind of exploratory question allows users to share more personal insights.
In conclusion, using the CYCLE approach lets us craft questions leading to richer data.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
This section discusses the semi-structured interview approach, emphasizing its balance between consistency in questioning and depth of insight. It covers the format, advantages, and challenges of using semi-structured interviews as a method for user research.
Detailed
Semi-Structured Interviews
Semi-structured interviews are a qualitative research method that allows researchers to gather informative data by combining a set of predetermined questions with the option to explore relevant topics that arise during the discussion. This approach balances consistency in questioning—ensuring all respondents answer the same core questions—with the flexibility to probe deeper based on participants' responses. The primary advantages include obtaining nuanced insights that may not emerge in a fully structured format. However, conducting these interviews successfully requires interviewers to possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt in real-time.
Key Components of Semi-Structured Interviews
- Format: Core questions guide the interview, but interviewers can adjust based on participant responses.
- Advantage: This flexibility often leads to a richer understanding of user experiences and feelings, revealing unexpected insights.
- Limitation: Analysis can be complex, as open-ended responses may be more difficult to categorize than those from structured interviews.
Ultimately, semi-structured interviews are an essential tool in user research, helping designers and researchers uncover deeper insights into user behavior, frustrations, and needs, informing product development based on real user experiences.
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Format of Semi-Structured Interviews
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Chapter Content
● Format: Core questions with flexibility to probe further.
Detailed Explanation
Semi-structured interviews blend both structured and unstructured approaches. They start with a set list of core questions, ensuring consistency across interviews while allowing interviewers the freedom to ask follow-up questions based on the participant's responses. This flexibility enables deeper exploration into topics of interest that may arise during the conversation.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a semi-structured interview like a cooking recipe that allows for adjustments. You have the main ingredients to follow, but you're also free to add your own spices based on taste. In the same way, an interviewer can stick to core questions but can 'spice up' the dialogue with additional questions, depending on the participant's insights.
Advantages of Semi-Structured Interviews
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Chapter Content
● Advantage: Balances consistency and depth.
Detailed Explanation
One of the main advantages of semi-structured interviews is that they provide a balance between structured and exploratory inquiry. While the core questions ensure that all participants address the same topics, the room for follow-ups allows for rich, nuanced data collection. This method captures a wider range of participant experiences and insights compared to rigidly structured formats.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a guided tour at a museum. The tour guide has a set route (core questions) they follow, but they pause to answer questions and share stories based on the interests of the group (follow-up questions). This balance enhances the experience, ensuring both the main points are covered and engaging discussions happen.
Limitations of Semi-Structured Interviews
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Chapter Content
● Limitation: Requires skilled interviewers.
Detailed Explanation
A critical limitation of semi-structured interviews is that they depend heavily on the interviewer's skill to navigate the conversation. A less experienced interviewer may struggle to adapt to unexpected responses, potentially missing valuable insights or failing to probe effectively into important areas. Thus, conducting these interviews requires training and practice to maximize their effectiveness.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a semi-structured interview like a dance. An experienced dancer knows how to follow the choreography while also improvising based on the music and partner's moves. In contrast, an inexperienced dancer may stick too rigidly to the choreographed steps or lose the rhythm entirely, missing out on the dance's full expression. Similarly, a skilled interviewer adapts to the flow of conversation and explores deeper when necessary.
Key Concepts
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Flexibility: The main advantage of semi-structured interviews allowing real-time probing.
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Depth of Insight: The ability to uncover complex user motivations not easily captured in structured formats.
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Analysis Complexity: The challenge posed by varied responses which can complicate data analysis.
Examples & Applications
Gathering user feedback on educational apps through semi-structured interviews to learn about their features and usability.
Investigating how users organize their notes by asking open-ended questions and then exploring specific practices.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
Semi-structured interviews bring flexibility to view, insights flow like morning dew.
Stories
Once upon a time, there was a curious researcher who believed in asking questions—but not just any questions! They crafted wise inquiries that opened doors to hidden truths. Their interviews were like keys, unlocking the minds of users!
Memory Tools
Remember 'FLEX' for semi-structured interviews: Flexibility leads to deeper Insights.
Acronyms
Use 'CATS' to remember Consistency, Analysis, Time, Skills needed for managing interviews.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- SemiStructured Interviews
Qualitative research method that combines core questions with the flexibility to explore respondents’ answers further.
- FLEX
Memory aid acronym representing Flexibility, Listening, Exploration, and eXperience, key aspects of semi-structured interviews.
- CATS
Mnemonic for aspects of semi-structured interviews: Consistency, Analysis, Time, and Skills.
- CYCLE
A memory framework for crafting effective interview questions: Context, Yield, Customize, Listen, Engage.
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