Interviews are a technique that any journalist or communications expert must master, and for this reason they are one of the pillars of the Double Degree in Journalism and Audiovisual Communication at the European University.
In this article we explain what they consist of, how they are structured and what methods there are for conducting interviews .
What an interview consists of
There are different types of interviews, but all overseas chinese in worldwide database are characterized by the exchange of ideas, opinions or information . The interview is a method of data collection and has a qualitative character , since it focuses on the personal experience of the interviewee.
In interviews, two roles can be distinguished: the interviewer and the interviewee . The former is responsible for directing the interview and asking questions. The interviewee, on the other hand, is the one who exposes himself, normally voluntarily, to the interviewer's questioning.
Compared to other types of primary research, interviews typically have a high response rate and provide reliable results.
Structure of an interview
Depending on their structure or style, three types of interview can be distinguished.
Structured interview
A structured interview is one in which the researcher asks the interviewees a list of pre-prepared questions . These questions are closed and have a pre-established order. The answers to these questions are usually brief and specific, which facilitates the interpretation and subsequent analysis of the information.
In interviews that follow this structure, the interviewer has limited freedom to pursue any topic that arises in depth. However, by following a schedule of questions, the interviewer does not need to have much experience.
Unstructured or free interview
Unlike the structured interview, the free interview is flexible and open . In it, the interviewer is responsible for creating some questions that serve as a starting point, but which do not follow any predetermined order: they are formulated based on the interviewee's answers. The questions are usually open, which allows the interviewee to express themselves clearly and sincerely.
Since it is an interaction similar to a conversation, this type of interview creates a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, which allows for a deeper understanding of the topics of interest. However, it is more expensive and requires great technique and knowledge of the topic to be discussed in order to have arguments and opinions that encourage dialogue.
Semi-structured interview
The semi-structured interview is a mix of the two types mentioned above. These interviews include a list of predetermined questions, but do not follow a fixed order .
In these interviews, the interviewer can choose what to ask depending on the moment, so they have a certain degree of flexibility. In this case, detailed answers are obtained without having to spend as much time preparing as in unstructured interviews.
Methods for conducting an interview
When conducting an interview, there are different methods that can be used, from short interviews on the street to longer interviews or focus groups . Some of the most common methods are:
Personal interview. These are individual interviews in which the interviewee meets privately with the interviewer.
Panel interview. Here, the interviewee answers orally to questions posed by a panel of interviewers.
Mass interview. This method is little known in the West. It involves bringing together several interviewees to discuss and find a solution to a problem. The interviewers sit in the background and observe and evaluate the performance of the first interviewees. They are often used in work contexts to observe who has leadership qualities.
Group interview. The interviewer asks questions related to the same topic to several interviewees at the same time. This method allows for discussion among participants.
Computer-assisted interview. In this case, the interviewee answers a series of questions by pressing a key on the keyboard. It is usually a quick and direct type of interview.
Telephone interview. This is a conversation in which neither the interviewee nor the interviewer can see each other, so the gestures or reactions of the participants do not have much influence.
Interviews, especially those of a journalistic nature, are used as a means of testimony to lend credibility to a report. They are a very useful resource for communication professionals, as they allow them to introduce a topic or lay the groundwork for a question.
Although conducting an interview can be a difficult and time-consuming task, it is important to acquire the necessary skills to know how to obtain the information we are looking for in each case.
If you are interested in this field, the Degree in Journalism in Madrid or the Degree in Audiovisual Communication at the European University are some of the options available within the university so you can choose between alternatives.
