Qualitative Interview

A qualitative interview is one of the many research methods that sociologists can use to find out certain information. There are two main types of qualitative interviews; semi structured and unstructured. Both of these interview types are flexible meaning that different questions can be asked and questions can be asked in different orders. There are many key factors that show the difference between a qualitative interview and an ordinary conversation. The first key factor is that qualitative interviews have set questions and agendas whereas ordinary conversations are open for any discussion and questions meaning any topics can arise. (McIntosh & Punch, 2005, p60) Another key factor that shows the difference is negotiating access, which is when

During an interview, the interviewer has to be very professional and take the lead in order for the interviewee to feel comfortable and know what they are doing. In an ordinary conversation, no one person is in charge and they speak mutually to each other. (Mason, J. 1996. p46) argues that the interviewer will have to have or have learned certain key skills in order for the interview to be successful. He argues that he or she should actually listen to the interviewees answer and interpret questions on what they say. He also says that they cannot just ask questions, not listen and then ask another question as the question they ask may not be relevant to what the participant has just said and it may cause confusion or upset the flow of the interview. Another skill Mason states that the interviewer should have to be professional is to remember what they say and what you have asked to ensure no repetition of questions and so the interview does not take any longer than necessary. Balance is also a key skill according to Mason that would help the interviewer. They have to balance between speaking and listening. They cannot speak for the whole time as the interviewee will not have time to speak or give their own opinions and answer questions and they cannot listen the whole time as they have to ensure they get the right information and by getting this, they will have to ask plenty of questions. However, a similarity between a qualitative interview and an ordinary conversation is balance as usually in an ordinary conversation both or all people involved also speak and listen for roughly the same time and not over do one of