This is a type of interview that is informal in nature, more like a conversation between the researcher and respondent(s) than a prescribed question-and-answer session. Questions are open-ended, and the replies can open up new areas to explore. Some such interviews are conducted with groups, rather than individuals. It is an example of a qualitative research method.
An unstructured interview is a method particularly suitable for researching sensitive issues, such as domestic violence or forced marriage, where people may be very reluctant to talk about their experiences in a more formal situation. It allows the researcher to build up trust with respondents. This can reduce the ‘interviewer effect’ and encourage the subject to speak freely and truthfully. Interpretivists see it as generating valid data.
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