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Interview Method Quiz 28 (10 MCQs)

This set of multiple-choice questions evaluates understanding of interview methods, including adaptability, direct questioning, and qualitative data collection. It covers skills such as spontaneous questioning, taping, and remote communication, with a focus on flexibility in interviews and the role of the interviewer in gathering information on sensitive topics like domestic violence.

Quiz Instructions

Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.

1. Describe the process of conducting interviews as a research method.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Select participants, prepare questions, conduct interviews, record responses, analyze data, draw conclusions.

Exam Relevance: Qualitative Research Methods, Social Science Research, Psychology Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The interview method involves a structured process to gather qualitative data through direct interaction with participants.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that interviews are conducted without prior preparation or that the analysis and conclusion steps are not necessary.

Explanations: The process of conducting interviews as a research method includes several key steps. First, participants are selected based on the research criteria. Next, questions are prepared to guide the interview process. Interviews are then conducted, and responses are recorded. Afterward, the recorded data is analyzed to identify patterns and themes. Finally, conclusions are drawn based on the analysis to answer the research questions.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This option is incorrect because it skips the selection of participants and the analysis of data, which are crucial steps in the interview method.
Option B: This option correctly outlines the full process of conducting interviews, including participant selection, question preparation, conducting interviews, recording responses, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.
Option C: This option is incorrect because it skips the preparation of questions and the recording of responses, which are essential steps in the interview method.
Option D: This option is incorrect because it skips the preparation of questions, conducting interviews, and recording responses, which are necessary steps in the interview method.

2. Most spontaneous and loosely structured. Does not use an interview protocol. Good to tape-record

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Informal Conversational Interview.

Exam Relevance: Research Methods, Qualitative Research, Social Science Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Informal Conversational Interview is characterized by its spontaneous and loosely structured nature, without a formal interview protocol. It is often recorded to capture the conversation accurately.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that the Interview Guide Approach is also loosely structured and spontaneous, but it typically involves a set of predefined questions or topics to guide the conversation.

Explanations: The Informal Conversational Interview is most spontaneous and loosely structured, as it does not follow a strict interview protocol. This method allows for a more natural and flexible conversation, which can be beneficial for gathering detailed and nuanced information. Taping the conversation is often recommended to ensure that all details are captured accurately.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This option correctly describes the Informal Conversational Interview, which is spontaneous, loosely structured, and often recorded.
Option B: The Interview Guide Approach is more structured and typically involves a set of predefined questions or topics, making it less spontaneous than the Informal Conversational Interview.

3. Compare and contrast between unstructured interview method and structured interview method with its advantages and disadvantages.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Unstructured interviews are more flexible and can adapt to the interviewee's responses.

Exam Relevance: Research Methods, Psychology Exams, Sociology Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Unstructured interviews allow interviewers to adapt their questions based on the interviewee's responses, providing flexibility and depth in the conversation. Structured interviews, on the other hand, follow a predetermined set of questions, which limits adaptability.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that structured interviews are more flexible because they follow a set format, which can lead to overlooking the adaptability of unstructured interviews.

Explanations: Unstructured interviews are characterized by their flexibility, allowing interviewers to explore topics in greater depth and adapt questions based on the interviewee's responses. This adaptability is a key advantage of unstructured interviews, as it allows for a more natural and in-depth conversation. In contrast, structured interviews follow a rigid format, which can limit the ability to explore unexpected or emerging topics.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This is incorrect because unstructured interviews are less rigid than structured interviews.
Option B: This is incorrect because structured interviews are less flexible than unstructured interviews.
Option C: This is correct because unstructured interviews allow for more flexibility and adaptability in the interview process.
Option D: This is incorrect because the effectiveness of structured versus unstructured interviews depends on the research goals and context, and one is not universally more effective than the other.

4. Which sociologists used an un-structured interview to investigate the sensitive topic of domestic violence.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Dobash & Dobash.

Exam Relevance: Sociology exams, Research Methods exams, Social Science exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Dobash and Dobash conducted unstructured interviews to study domestic violence, which allowed them to gather detailed and nuanced information on a sensitive topic.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake might be confusing Dobash and Dobash with other sociologists who have conducted research on domestic violence but used different methods.

Explanations: Dobash and Dobash used unstructured interviews to investigate domestic violence. This method allowed them to explore the topic in depth, capturing the complexities and nuances of the experiences of those involved. Unstructured interviews are particularly useful for sensitive topics as they provide a flexible and open-ended format for participants to share their experiences freely.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Young & Willmott did not focus on domestic violence using unstructured interviews.
Option B: Opie & Parson are not known for research on domestic violence using unstructured interviews.
Option C: Dobash & Dobash conducted unstructured interviews to study domestic violence.
Option D: Mark & Smith are not associated with research on domestic violence using unstructured interviews.

Mnemonic: Dobash & Dobash: D for Domestic Violence, D for Detailed Interviews

5. The person who asks questions in an interview.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Interviewer.

Exam Relevance: Psychology exams, Sociology exams, Communication exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: In the context of the interview method, the interviewer is the person who asks questions to gather information from the interviewee.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that the subject or the audience might be the one asking questions, but in an interview, the interviewer is the one who poses questions.

Explanations: The interviewer is responsible for asking questions and guiding the conversation to gather the necessary information. The other options (audience, leader, and subject) do not fit the role of asking questions in an interview.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The audience is typically the group of people who listen to the interview, not the one asking questions.
Option B: The leader is not a specific role in the context of an interview and does not necessarily ask questions.
Option C: The subject is the person being interviewed and is not the one asking questions.
Option D: The interviewer is the person who asks questions to the interviewee to gather information.

6. What is a question and answer session between a reporter and source to get information for a story?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Interview.

Exam Relevance: Journalism exams, Media Studies exams, Communication exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: An interview is a method of gathering information through a conversation between a reporter and a source.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that an interview is only conducted in formal settings, but it can be conducted in various formats, including informal conversations.

Explanations: An interview is the process of a reporter asking questions to a source to gather information for a story. This method is commonly used in journalism to obtain firsthand accounts, expert opinions, or detailed information on a particular topic. The other options do not fit the context of a question and answer session between a reporter and a source.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Lead refers to the opening of a news story, not a question and answer session.
Option B: Hammer is not a term used in journalism for a question and answer session.
Option C: Interview is the correct term for a question and answer session between a reporter and a source.
Option D: Editorial refers to a published opinion piece, not a question and answer session.

7. A qualitative method of research often used to obtain the respondents' perceptions and attitudes to the issues.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Interview.

Exam Relevance: Research Methods, Social Science Exams, Psychology Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Interviews are a qualitative research method used to gather detailed perceptions and attitudes from respondents.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that interviews are only used for job applications or news reporting, not for research purposes.

Explanations: Interviews are a qualitative method of research that allows researchers to obtain in-depth information about respondents' perceptions and attitudes. This method involves direct communication with participants, enabling researchers to explore complex issues and gather rich, detailed data.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Workshops are typically used for training or group discussions, not for individual qualitative data collection.
Option B: Ethnography involves observing and participating in a culture or community over an extended period, which is different from interviewing individual respondents.
Option C: Interviews are a qualitative method used to gather detailed perceptions and attitudes from respondents.
Option D: Reflective journal logs are a method for individuals to record their thoughts and experiences, not a method for collecting data from multiple respondents.

8. Enable the reporter to be flexible to move in a different direction if the interview shifts away from the planned topic

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Follow up question.

Exam Relevance: Journalism exams, Media Studies exams, Communication exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Follow-up questions allow the reporter to adapt and explore new directions that may arise during an interview, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness to the conversation's flow.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that sticking strictly to a pre-planned set of questions is the best approach, which can limit the depth and breadth of the interview.

Explanations: Follow-up questions enable the reporter to adjust the interview's direction based on the interviewee's responses. This flexibility allows the reporter to delve deeper into unexpected but relevant topics, enhancing the quality and relevance of the interview.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Primary source refers to the original source of information, not a method for adapting the interview direction.
Option B: Observing details is important for gathering information but does not directly address the need for flexibility in the interview process.
Option C: 5W's and H (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How) are useful for structuring initial questions but do not inherently provide flexibility to shift topics.
Option D: Follow-up questions allow the reporter to adapt and explore new directions that may arise during the interview, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness to the conversation's flow.

9. Define the term: Interviews.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Interviews are a qualitative data collection method involving direct questioning of participants.

Exam Relevance: Research Methods, Psychology Exams, Sociology Exams, Market Research Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Interviews are a qualitative research method used to gather in-depth information through direct interaction with participants.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that interviews are a quantitative method, which involves numerical data analysis.

Explanations: Interviews involve direct questioning of participants to gather qualitative data, which is non-numerical and often descriptive. This method allows researchers to explore complex issues and gain detailed insights into participants' experiences and perspectives.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Interviews are indeed a qualitative data collection method involving direct questioning of participants.
Option B: Incorrect. Interviews are not a quantitative data analysis technique; they are a qualitative method.
Option C: Incorrect. Distributing surveys online is a different method, often quantitative, and not the same as conducting interviews.
Option D: Incorrect. Interviews involve questioning, not just observation.

10. Pepito is a researcher. One of his subjects is on his vacation, but to meet the deadline, he is planning to gather the information he needs through phone. This is a type of what?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Telephone interview.

Exam Relevance: Research Methods, Psychology Exams, Sociology Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: A telephone interview is a type of interview conducted over the phone, where the interviewer and interviewee communicate remotely.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that a telephone interview is the same as a one-on-one interview, which typically involves face-to-face interaction.

Explanations: The scenario describes Pepito gathering information through a phone call, which aligns with the definition of a telephone interview. This method is suitable when the subject is not physically present, as in the case of the subject being on vacation.

Option Analysis:

Option A: One-on-one interview typically involves face-to-face interaction, which is not the case here.
Option B: Telephone interview is the correct choice as it involves gathering information over the phone.
Option C: Electronic email interview involves written communication via email, not a phone call.
Option D: Focus group discussion involves multiple participants, not a single subject over the phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the interview method in research?

The interview method is a qualitative research technique where a researcher gathers data through direct questioning of participants. It can be structured, semi-structured, or unstructured.

How does adaptability play a role in the interview method?

Adaptability is crucial in interviews as it allows the interviewer to adjust questions based on the participant's responses, ensuring more relevant and insightful data collection.

What is the role of the interviewer in an interview method?

The interviewer's role is to guide the conversation, ask questions, and ensure that the participant's responses are clear and relevant to the research objectives.

How can interviews be conducted remotely?

Interviews can be conducted remotely using various communication tools such as video calls, telephone, or even email, allowing for flexibility in data collection.

What types of data can be collected through interviews?

Interviews can collect qualitative data, including detailed personal experiences, opinions, and perceptions, which can provide rich insights into the research topic.

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