INTERVIEW

METHOD

A DVA N TAG E S
A D VA N TA G E S
• The personal interviews, compared especially to questionnaires usually yield a
high percentage of results comparatively.
• The interview method can be made to produce an almost perfect sample of the
general population because practically everyone can be reached by and can
respond to this approach. The questionnaire approach is severely limited by the
fact that only the literate persons can be covered by it.
A D VA N TA G E S
• The data secured through interviews is likely to be more correct compared to that
secured through other techniques of data collection. The interviewer who is present
on the spot can clear up the seemingly irrelevant answers by explaining the
questions to the informant.
• More information and that too in greater depth can be obtained.
• There is greater flexibility under this method as the opportunity to restructure
questions is always there, specially in case of unstructured interviews.
A D VA N TA G E S
• Observation method can be applied along with the interview process to record
verbal answers to various questions.
• The interviewer can collect supplementary information about the informant’s
personal characteristics and environment which is often of great value in
interpreting and analyzing results. Interview is a much more flexible approach,
allowing for posing of new questions or check-questions if such a need arises.
A D VA N TA G E S
• Scoring and test-devices can be utilized during the interview process; the
interviewer acting as experimenter. At the same time, visual stimuli to which the
informant may react can be presented.
• The interview method allows for many ways which assist on the spot adjustments
and thus ensure rich response material. For example, the interviewer can carefully
modify the questions about which the informant is likely to be sensitive.
A D VA N TA G E S
• Samples can be controlled more effectively as there arises no difficulty of the
missing returns; non-response generally remains very low.
• Group discussions may also be held while adopting the interview method.