A comparison of interview types
The table below summarises the main comparative points between the different types of interview.
Structured
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Semi-structured
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Unstructured
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- closed questions
- pre-set questions
- pre-coding of answers
- quantitative analysis possible
- easy to maintain control of the interview
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- closed and open questions
- some pre-set questions
- pre-coding of some answers
- some quantitative analysis may be possible
- some good interviewing skills required to maintain control of interview
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- open questions
- pre-set opening question or area of investigation
- little or no pre-coding possible
- quantitative analysis not possible
- good interviewing skills required in order to maintain control of the interview
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