The researcher needs some data and information that are only available to certain individuals, and therefore it is necessary to interview them and meet with them and direct a set of pre-prepared questions to them, either face to face, by phone, or through one of the known electronic means. In this article, we will talk about this method, in terms of its concept, types, and method of implementation.
Interview concept
An interview is a directed dialogue or conversation that takes place between the researcher on the one hand and a specific individual or individuals (the respondents) on the other hand, with the aim of obtaining answers to a number of questions, and collecting information that the researcher needs to complete his research. The dialogue usually includes directing a pre-prepared set of questions to individuals who the researcher assumes are familiar with the answers to them
Types of interview questions
Interview questions can be classified into two main types:
Open questions
These are questions that the respondent is not given any options to answer, but rather are left free to answer in an unspecified manner. Open questions are characterized by the abundance of information that can be obtained from the respondents. However, they are criticized for the difficulty of classifying and analyzing the answers and their need for specialized researchers with extensive qualifications and experience in the field of scientific research. Open questions are also criticized for their need for a long time; whether in terms of collecting the answers or classifying and analyzing them, which leads to a significant increase in costs.
Closed questions
These are questions whose answers are specified by the researcher, such as yes - no - sometimes... etc. This type is characterized by ease of dealing with it in terms of classification and analysis; thus saving time and cost. However, the amount of information that can be obtained remains limited compared to open questions.
Types of interviews
There are three types of interviews that the researcher can choose one of them to communicate with the respondents; It is as follows:
Personal interview
It is the face-to-face interview between the researcher and the respondents (the individuals concerned with the research) and is the most commonly used and common in practical reality, despite the extensive experience, time, effort and cost it requires.
Telephone interview
It is conducted via telephone between the researcher and the respondents. The use of this type is separated in the case of long distance, which leads to reducing the cost and saving time and effort.
Electronic interview
It is a relatively modern method compared to the two previous methods; where the dialogue with the respondents is conducted via e-mail, video, Skype, etc. This type can be resorted to due to the long distance between the researcher and the respondents, and the inability to meet them in person, in addition to the desire to save time, effort and money.
Steps for conducting the interview
:Determine the purpose of the interview
It is very important for the researcher to determine the purpose he seeks to achieve from conducting the interview, and the researcher must also determine the type and quantity of information he intends to collect and the facts he wants to reach through the interview. On the other hand, the researcher must clearly explain these objectives to the respondents, and not leave the matter hanging until the interview is conducted.
: Preparing the interview well in advance
This step includes the following:
Identifying the individuals concerned with the interview, and no one else; they are the individuals or entities that possess sufficient and comprehensive information for the purposes of the research, its questions and its branches.
Preparing a list of questions and inquiries in a clear manner and formulating them with great precision. It is preferable to send them to the relevant entities a sufficient period before the interview is conducted, so that they can form a clear idea about it and prepare the required answers and information before the interview date.
Determining the place and time of the interview in a manner that suits the circumstances of the respondents, and does not conflict with their work and duties. The interview usually takes place in the place where the respondents are located (their offices or homes). It is also permissible to agree to meet in a private place in order to ensure a calm atmosphere and maintain the confidentiality of information.
: Conducting the interview (implementation)
Here, the researcher is advised to take into account a number of considerations that must be taken in order to ensure the cooperation of the respondents and arouse their interest and for the interview to achieve its goal. These considerations are:
Creating a comfortable and appropriate atmosphere for the dialogue; this includes appearing in a decent manner, being polite in speaking and respecting the respondents, thanking them for dedicating their time to the researcher, and choosing polite phrases that are appropriate to the level of the respondents. It is also preferable for the researcher to provide an atmosphere of friendship with the respondents, and for the dialogue to be spontaneous and far from the interrogation method.
Ensure the time of the respondents and manage the interview in a polite manner, and avoid entering into side topics that may lead to the distraction of the respondent's mind and deviating from the point of the research. There is no doubt that the researcher must be trained on how to manage the dialogue tactfully so as not to allow the respondent to deviate from the framework of the interview and remain on topic.
Speak in a clear and audible voice and use specific phrases that do not allow interpretation and explanation, because this will enable the correct answers to the specific questions to be obtained; Which benefits the research and leads to the desired results.
If the interview is with a specific individual, it is preferable to do so in private and isolated from the rest of the individuals working with him.
Avoid showing the respondent a reaction that his answer is incorrect, and leave the respondent complete freedom to complete the answers to the questions, ask him for clarification and give some examples to clarify his opinion if necessary.
: Recording answers and information
The researcher must take into account the following points regarding recording the respondents' answers during and after the interview:
Write down or record the answers during the interview directly on pre-determined papers; the questions are divided into groups, and the answer is placed in front of each one, in addition to any notes that the respondent may make that are related to the research topic. The researcher is also advised to record the dialogue using a recording device if he deems it necessary, but after obtaining permission from the respondent.
When recording answers and information, the same words and phrases of the respondent must be used, to avoid making the mistake of replacing the respondent's words; which leads to bias and lack of objectivity.
The researcher should avoid interpreting the respondent's statements and adding to them on his own, and requesting the respondent to interpret and clarify the statements if necessary. Therefore, it is very important for the researcher to be able to distinguish between facts, information and his own conclusions in order to avoid making the mistake of adding or deleting information provided by the respondent. Send the answers and notes after writing them in their final form to the individuals who were interviewed to ensure the accuracy of the recording and the correctness of the information, and take appropriate measures before approving the answers in their final form
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