An in-depth interview guide is fundamentally a structured list of topics the researcher will discuss with the respondent during an in-depth interview. Unlike a rigid questionnaire, an in-depth interview operates as a flexible conversation format, not merely a verbal question-and-answer session.
Purpose and Function
The primary purpose of an in-depth interview guide is to serve as a roadmap for the interviewer. In the context of qualitative research, where the goal is to explore complex issues and gather rich, detailed insights, this guide ensures that the conversation covers all essential areas relevant to the research question.
Key Aspects of the Guide
While described as "structured," the list of topics allows for significant flexibility during the interview.
- Structured List of Topics: The guide outlines the broad themes or specific subjects that need to be explored. It's not a word-for-word script of questions, but rather a framework to keep the discussion focused on the research objectives.
- Facilitating Flexible Conversation: Within the structure of the guide, the interviewer has the freedom to rephrase questions, probe deeper into interesting points raised by the respondent, change the order of topics, or follow unexpected but relevant tangents. This flexibility is crucial for uncovering nuanced perspectives and generating authentic dialogue.
- Balancing Consistency and Depth: The guide helps maintain a degree of consistency across multiple interviews by ensuring that key topics are addressed with each participant. Simultaneously, its flexible nature enables the interviewer to adapt to the respondent's unique experiences and perspectives, fostering deeper exploration than a standardized survey could achieve.
In essence, the guide acts as an essential tool that provides direction without imposing rigidity, supporting the interviewer in conducting productive and insightful in-depth conversations.
