Definition of Interview

It is defined as purposeful face to face relationship between two persons. Interviewer who asks question to gather information Interviewee or respondents who give asked information

Purpose and uses of the Interview

1. 2.

3.

4.

The researcher may interview knowledgeable people for him to acquire insights into his problem. The researcher may also interview knowledgeable of his study people who can make contribution to the enhancement in his study. In case when the subject matter of the study is a person with some abnormality, the interviewer may with to gain information from the physical and emotional reaction of the subject. The researcher may also use the interview as the principal tool in gathering data for his study.

Advantages of Interviewer
1.

2.
3. 4. 5.

It yields a more complete and valid information The interview can be used with all kinds of people. The interviewer can always clarify points or questions which are unclear to the interviewee. Only the interviewee respondent can make replies to questions of the interviewer. The interviewer can observe the nonverbal reactions or behavior of the respondent which may reveal rich relevant information.

Advantages of Interviewer
6. 7.

Greater complex questions can be asked with the interviewer around. The interviewer can effect a modification of the interview or any question if there is a need.

Disadvantages of Interviewer
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

7.
8.

Selected respondents are hard to contact. It is expensive if many interviewers have to employed to meet the target date. The responses may be inaccurate if the interviewee has no time to consult his records. It is time consuming if only the researcher conducts the interviews. It is inconvenient for both the interviewer and interviewee in terms of time and place. There is secrecy. There is a tendency of interviewers to introduce bias. Modification of the interviewers questions.

Types or Classes of Interviews

1.

2. 3.

4.

5.

Standardized Interview - the interviewer is not allowed to change the wordings of the questions in the interview schedule. Nonstandardized Interview - interviewer has not held to any specific questions. Semistandardized Interview - the interviewer has prepared principal questions and beyond these he is free to probe as he chosoes. Focused Interview - or depth interview, similar to nonstandardized interview hence focused on specific topics that are to be investigated in depth. Nondirective Interview the interviewee or subject is allowed and even encouraged to express his feelings without fear of disapproval.

The Interview Instrument

1.

2.

Interview Schedule is the same as a questionnaire. The respondents himself reads and fills out the questionnaire alone without the aid of the researcher. It is used when the researcher knows all the items to be included in the interview Interview Guide it provides ideas and allows the interviewer o freely pursue relevant topics. It is used when the researcher has a limited information about the topics.

Steps in the Interview

PLANNING STEPS 2. SELECTING THE PLACE FOR INTERVIEW 3. ESTABLISHING RAPPORT 4. CARRYING OUT THE INTERVIEW 5. RECORDING THE INTERVIEW 6. CLOSING THE INTERVIEW
1.

What to Avoid in Interviews

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Avoid exerting undue pressure upon a respondent to make him participate in an interview. Avoid disagreeing or arguing with or contradicting the respondent. Avoid unduly pressing the respondent to make a reply. Avoid using a language well over and above the ability of the respondent to understand. Avoid talking about irrelevant matters. Avoid placing the interviewee in embarrassing situations. Avoid appearing too high above respondents in education, knowledge, and social status. Avoid interviewing the respondent in an unholy hour.

Observation
Definition of observation Gathering information for research by perceiving data through the senses. The sense of sight is the most important and the most used among the senses.

Purpose of Observation
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

To enable the researcher. To gather empirical data which are difficult to obtain by other means. To enable the researcher to gather sufficient data to supplement gathered information by other means. To enable researcher to gather data needed which cannot be described accurately without observation. To enable the researcher to gather first hand information for his study. To enable the researcher to gather data from the laboratory experimentation.

Types of observation

Participant observation - the observer takes active part in the activities of the group being observed. Nonparticipant observation - the observer is a mere bystander observing the group he is studying. Structured observation - it concentrates on a particular aspects of the variable being observed. Unstructured observation - the observer does not hold any list of items to be observed.

Controlled observation - it is usually done in the laboratory. It is utilized in experimental studies in which experimental and non experimental variables are controlled by the researcher. Uncontrolled observation - utilized in a natural settings.

Advantages of Observation
1. 2. 3.

4.

The researcher is able to gather directly primary data about the subject of the study. The researcher can observe his subject for as long as he needs time. Observation is a superior technique of collecting information from non-verbal behavior and inanimate objects. The subject of the inquiry can be observed in their natural settings.

Disadvantages of Observation

In a natural settings, there is lack of control upon unnecessary variables. The researcher cannot afford to observe the large area. It is difficult to quantify data for standard tabulation. Sometimes it is hard to gain entry into the area to be observed. Lack of anonymity makes the observed subjects withdraw.

Characteristics of Observation for Research Purposes

1.

2.
3. 4. 5. 6.

Observation is specific. Observation is systematic. Observation is quantitative. Observation is recorded immediately. Observation is done by an expert. Observation results can be checked and verified.

Recording the Results of Observation

Checklist 2. Rating Scale 3. Anecdotal forms 4. Mechanical Recording 5. Stenographic Recording
1.

Making observation more valid and reliable

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Use observation where and when other data gathering devices cannot be used. Use appropriate observation forms. Record immediately. Be as objective as possible. Base evaluation on several observations.