Research Methods in Computing

and Technology
CT098-3.5-2

Interview

Topic & Structure of the lesson

Interview
Categories
Selecting most appropriate type of interview
Structured
Semi-structured
Non-structured

Situations where qualitative researched is

used

CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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Learning Outcomes
At the end of this topic, you should be able to:
Decide which interview category to adopt
Understand what type of data is generated by an
interview

CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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Interview
Purposeful discussion between 2 or more
people
Used to :
Gather valid and reliable data relevant to research
questions / objectives
Help formulate research questions / objectives

CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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STRUCTURED /
SEMISTRUCTURED /
UNSTRUCTURED

ONE TO ONE /
ONE TO MANY

CATEGORIES OF
INTERVIEW

STANDARDISED /
NONSTANDARDISED

RESPONDENT /
INFORMANT

CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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Categories of Interview
Structured

Unstructured
(in-depth)
CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

Semistructured
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Structured
Quantitative
Respondent interview
Interviewer directly interacts with the interviewee

Use questionnaires based on predetermined and

standardised / identical sets of questions
Interview administered questionnaires
Read out each question & record response on
standardised schedule pre-coded answers
Must read out each question exactly as written and in
the same tone of voice so that there is no bias

Aka quantifiable research interviews

CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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Semi-Structured
Respondent interview
Interviewer directly interacts with the interviewee

Non standardised
Aka qualitative research interviews
Researcher has a list of themes and questions to be
covered may vary from interview to interview
May omit some questions
Order of questions may be required
Data will be recorded by audio-recording the
conversation / note-taking

CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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Un-Structured

Non standardized
Qualitative research interviews
Informal
Used to explore in depth a general area you are
interested in
No pre-determined list of questions
Interviewee can talk freely about events, behaviour /
beliefs and therefore non-directive
A type of informant interview
To understand the what, how and why

CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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One to one / One to many

One to one
Interviewer and one participant
Normally face to face
Can be by telephone / electronically

One to many
Group basis
Conducted for semi structured and in-depth interview
Meet small number of participants through group
discussion

CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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When to use structured / semi

structured / unstructured
Exploratory
Structured
Semi-structured

Unstructured

Descriptive

Explanatory

Less frequent
More frequent

CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

02 Research & Literature Searches

Situations where qualitative

research is used

CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

02 Research & Literature Searches

Situations where qualitative

research is used

CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

02 Research & Literature Searches

Quick Review Question

An unstructured interview is the most
suitable type of interview for student
researchers. Discuss this statement.

CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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Question and Answer Session

Q&A
CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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