Question

In your opinion, is it possible to perform a truly and totally pure structured interview? For example, how can you negotiate a participant that tends to add more than the question requires? Explain.

Answer 1

The interviewer needs to be a good moderator.

Explanation:

Yes, in my opinion it is indeed possible to carry out an entirely structured interview. In order to ensure this order when dealing with an interviewee, the following things need to be applied:

1. The interviewer should come prepared with a questionnaire with closed ended questions. These are the guideline that should be followed when conducting the interview. The questions should be designed in such a way that they are brief and clear. This will ensure that the person who is answering has no room to digress from the main information required.

2. The interviewee should improve on their moderating skills. There are interviewees who will naturally give more information than is required. Therefore, the person conducting the interview should skillfully redirect the interviewee to the subject matter. They should be able to do this firmly and also respectfully so that the interviewee is not antagonized in any way.

3. The person conducting the interview should have a watch so that he or she is conscious of the time spent per question. Proper time management will help in making the interviewing process by focusing only on the relevant information.

Reference:

Hindle, T. (2009). Interviewing Skills. London: Dorling Kindersley

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