• Research Interview:

• Research interview plays a pivotal role in collecting data for

various academic, scientific, and professional endeavors. They
provide researchers with an opportunity to delve deep into
the thoughts, experiences, and perspectives of an individual,
thus enabling a comprehensive understanding of complex
phenomena. It is important for researchers to design an
effective and insightful method of data collection on a
particular topic.
• According to N.H. Gopal, “The interview is conversation with a
purpose and therefore is more than oral exchange of
information.
• In conclusion, A research interview is typically a two-person
meeting conducted to collect information on a certain topic. It
is a qualitative data collection method to gain primary
information.
• Main features of research inverview:
a) It is conducted in the form of conversation which is shaped by certain
guidelines and questions between the researcher and the respondent.
b) It is used in surveys and participant observation methods.
c) The interview is flexible in its structure.
d) This flexibility can lead to a change in the mood of the respondent or lack of
concentration, which is one of its disadvantages.
e) Some interviewers have a very structured format with specific questions
where as some have a loosely structured.
f) During the interview, the interviewer can ask questions or other questions
that are required during the process which are not possible in questionnaire.
g) The use of records and other equipment are also taken during the interview.
h) The mode of recording depends on the social and physical circumstances in
which the interview is conducted.
i) Some times important information goes unnoticed or it is not at all recorded.
j) A good interview is often based on rapport building by the researcher with
the respondent.
• Importance/ Advantage of Research Interviews
• Gathering Primary Data
• The role of research interviews in gathering first-hand information is
invaluable. Additionally, they allow researchers to interact directly with
participants, enabling them to collect unfiltered primary data.
• Subjective Experience
• Research interviews facilitate in-depth exploration of a research topic. Thus,
by engaging in one-to-one conversation with participants, researchers can
delve into the nuances and complexities of their experiences, perspectives,
and opinions. This allows comprehensive understanding of the research
subject that may not be possible through other methods
• Personal Insights
• Research interviews offer an opportunity for participants to share their
views and opinions on the objective they are being interviewed for.
Furthermore, participants can express their thoughts and experiences,
providing rich qualitative data. Consequently, these personal narratives add
a human element to the research, thus enhancing the understanding of the
topic from the participants’ perspectives. Research interviews offer the
opportunity to uncover unanticipated insights or emerging themes.
• Clarification and Validation:
• Researchers can clarify participants’ responses and validate their
understanding during an interview. This ensures accurate data
collection and interpretation. Additionally, researchers can probe
deeper into participants’ statements and seek clarification on any
ambiguity in the information.
• Contextual Information:
• Research interviews allow researchers to gather contextual information
that offers a comprehensive understanding of the research topic.
Additionally, participants can provide insights into the social, cultural, or
environmental factors that shape their experiences, behaviors, and
beliefs. This contextual information helps researchers place the data in a
broader context and facilitates a more nuanced analysis.
• Non-verbal Cues:
• In addition to verbal responses, research interviews allow
researchers to observe non-verbal cues such as body language,
facial expressions, and tone of voice. Additionally, non-verbal
cues can convey information, such as emotions, attitudes, or
levels of comfort. Furthermore, integrating non-verbal cues
with verbal responses provides a more holistic understanding
of participants’ experiences and enriches the data collection
process.
• Types of Research Interviews
• There are several types of research interviews that researchers can
use based on their research goals, the nature of their study, and
the data they aim to collect. Here are some common types of
research interviews:
• Personal / Face-to-face interviews: Face-to-face or personal
interviews are very labour intensive, but can be the best way of
collecting high quality data. Face-to-face interviews are preferable
when the subject matter is very sensitive, if the questions are very
complex or if the interview is likely to be lengthy. Interviewing skills
are dealt with in more detail later in this pack. Compared to other
methods of data collection, face-to-face interviewing offers a
greater degree of flexibility. A skilled interviewer can explain the
purpose of the interview and encourage potential respondents to
co-operate; they can also clarify questions, correct
misunderstandings, offer prompts, probe responses and follow up
on new ideas in a way that is just not possible with other methods
• Advantages of face to face interview:
• Following are the benefits or advantages of Personal
Interview:
1. Technical skills can be judged with in-depth
information.
2. It is easy to use visual aids and black/white board for
discussion.
3. It overcomes language barriers (if any).
4. It avoids any interference due to poor communication
lines such as telephone set or its cellular network or
surroundings. Hence better cooperation can be
established during evaluation process.
5. With face to face discussion, even illiterate or less
technology versed people can also be interviewed.
• disadvantages of Personal Interview
Following are the disadvantages of Personal Interview:
1. The cost of personal interview is higher.
2. It requires high quality trained interviewers.
3. The process is more time consuming.
4. The process is labor intensive.
5. Interviewer bias and confidentiality are difficult to be
assured.
6. Interviewee may be reluctant to provide confidential
information.
7. The interviewer characteristics and behaviour will get
visible to the interviewee.
8. Geographical limitations.
9. Some respondents are unwilling to talk to strangers.
• Telephone interviews:
• Telephone interviews can be a very effective and
economical way of collecting data where the sample to be
contacted are all accessible via the telephone. They are
not an appropriate method of data collection for a very
deprived population where telephone ownership is likely
to be low or where respondents may be ex-directory.
However telephone interviewing can be ideally suited to
busy professional respondents, such as general
practitioners, when the telephone numbers can be 3
USING INTERVIEWS IN A RESEARCH PROJECT easily
identified and timed appointments set up. Telephone
interviews are also particularly useful when the
respondents to be interviewed are widely geographically
distributed.
• Advantages of Telephone Interviews:
• Convenience: Telephone interviews are incredibly convenient
for both parties involved. They eliminate the need for time-
consuming travel and allow interviews to be scheduled at
times that suit the interviewee, even if they are in different
time zones. This flexibility can be especially beneficial for
international recruitment.
• Cost-Efficiency: Conducting interviews over the phone is
generally less expensive than arranging face-to-face
meetings. It reduces travel expenses and minimizes the need
for office space and associated overhead costs.
• Quick Screening: Telephone interviews are an efficient means
of quickly screening candidates. They help recruiters gauge a
candidate's communication skills, professionalism, and
overall suitability for the position. This preliminary
assessment can save both time and effort.
• Anonymity: For interviewees, the anonymity of a telephone
interview can be advantageous. It allows candidates to focus
solely on their qualifications and responses, without the potential
bias that can come from visual cues or appearances.
• Reduced Pressure: Some candidates may find phone interviews
less intimidating than face-to-face encounters. They have the
opportunity to reference notes discreetly and feel more at ease in
their own environment, leading to more genuine and thoughtful
responses.
• Broader Candidate Pool: Telephone interviews facilitate the
inclusion of a wider range of candidates. Geographical distance
and travel restrictions are no longer significant barriers, allowing
companies to consider applicants from diverse locations.
• Recording Capability: Telephone interviews can be easily
recorded for later review and comparison. This feature aids in the
selection process and ensures all candidates are evaluated fairly.
Disadvantages of Telephone Interviews:
Limited Non-Verbal Cues: One of the most significant drawbacks of
telephone interviews is the absence of non-verbal communication.
Interviewers miss out on important cues like body language and facial
expressions, making it challenging to accurately assess a candidate's
engagement, sincerity, or nervousness.
Reduced Personal Connection: Building rapport and a personal
connection with candidates can be challenging over the phone.
Interviewers might struggle to establish trust and empathy with
interviewees, potentially affecting the overall evaluation.
Technical Issues: Technical difficulties, such as poor call quality, dropped
calls, or other connectivity problems, can disrupt the flow of the
interview and create frustration for both parties.
Limited Assessment of Soft Skills: Telephone interviews are less
effective at assessing soft skills such as interpersonal skills, teamwork,
and cultural fit. These traits often become apparent in a face-to-face
interview, but they may remain hidden during a telephone conversation.
• Candidate's Environment: Interviewees have less control
over their environment during a telephone interview.
Background noise, distractions, and interruptions can
negatively impact the quality of the interview.
• Inability to Evaluate Presentation Skills: The telephone
format restricts the ability to assess an applicant's
presentation and public speaking skills. This can be a
critical limitation for roles that require strong
communication and presentation abilities.
• Difficulty in Explaining Complex Concepts: It is often more
challenging to explain complex technical concepts or
demonstrate skills over the phone. This can be a
disadvantage for positions that require in-depth technical
knowledge.
• Lack of Engagement: Telephone interviews may lead to
decreased candidate engagement. Without visual cues and
face-to-face interaction, some interviewees might feel less
invested in the process, potentially affecting their
performance.