Which characteristic is most associated with semi-structured interviews?

Which characteristic is most associated with semi-structured interviews?

• A. They are fully structured with rigid questions
• B. They combine fixed questions with flexibility
• C. They involve no questions at all
• D. They are only conducted in groups

Answer: (B)

Semi-structured interviews are characterized by a blend of structured and open-ended questioning. This format allows the interviewer to follow a predetermined set of questions while also providing the flexibility to explore additional topics that may arise during the conversation. This combination helps to gather rich, detailed information from participants, as interviewers can probe deeper into responses or clarify points based on the participant's answers. This balance is particularly beneficial in qualitative research, where understanding the context and subtleties of responses is crucial for analyzing participants' experiences and perspectives.

Semi-structured interviews are characterized by a blend of structured and open-ended questioning. This format allows the interviewer to follow a predetermined set of questions while also providing the flexibility to explore additional topics that may arise during the conversation. This combination helps to gather rich, detailed information from participants, as interviewers can probe deeper into responses or clarify points based on the participant's answers. This balance is particularly beneficial in qualitative research, where understanding the context and subtleties of responses is crucial for analyzing participants' experiences and perspectives.