Using an interview schedule in research offers significant benefits, primarily enhancing data quality and the depth of information gathered.
An interview schedule is a set of predetermined questions used by an interviewer during a research interview. This structured approach provides a framework for the conversation, guiding the interviewer and ensuring consistency.
According to Lindlof & Taylor, interview schedules offer key advantages:
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Increased Reliability and Credibility:
Using a consistent set of questions across multiple interviews helps standardize the data collection process. This standardization reduces variability introduced by the interviewer or the interview process itself, thereby increasing the reliability of the data. Reliable data is consistent and repeatable. The systematic approach also contributes to the credibility of the research findings, as the methodology is transparent and controlled. Researchers can be more confident that differences in responses are due to differences in participants' perspectives rather than inconsistencies in the questions asked. -
Ability to Gather More Information:
While providing structure, an interview schedule does not necessarily limit the depth of exploration. It allows interviewers to get more information than they might with a completely unstructured approach. This is because, as Lindlof & Taylor note, interviewers can use the prepared questions as a foundation and then ask follow-up queries or clarifications. This flexibility within the structured framework allows for probing deeper into responses, exploring nuances, and ensuring the researcher fully understands the participant's perspective on specific points.
Here's a summary of the core benefits highlighted:
| Advantage | Description | Impact on Research |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability & Credibility | Standardizes questions asked to participants. | Data is more consistent and trustworthy. |
| More Information | Allows for pre-planned questions plus flexible follow-ups/clarifications. | Deeper understanding of participant responses. |
In summary, employing an interview schedule provides a balance between structure and flexibility, leading to more robust and informative data.
