What’s the difference between qualitative and quantitative research interviews?
Qualitative and quantitative interviews have some important differences. Whilst both involve one person asking questions of another, that’s probably where the similarities end! So, let’s dive into this popular method for both qualitative and quantitative researchers.
Interviews are a staple in the realm of research, especially for those of us who lean towards the qualitative side of things. If you're considering embarking on the journey of qualitative interviews for your PhD or masters dissertation, it's crucial to grasp the nuances that set them apart from their quantitative counterparts. So, let's take a little dive into this captivating subject.
Quantitative Interviews: The Straight and Narrow
First things first, let's talk about quantitative interviews. Picture this – a list of questions served up in a rigid sequence, using the exact same wording every time. It's like a scripted play where the interviewer follows a set path, aiming for perfect replication with each performance.
Why? Well, for quantitative researchers, reliability is the holy grail, and that comes from replicability. The questions are set in stone, and the goal is to get answers that fit neatly into predetermined categories. The researcher is the maestro, orchestrating the interview like a well-rehearsed symphony.
If an interviewee dares to venture off the beaten path, the interviewer, armed with their list of questions, gently nudges them back on track, often omitting any divergent gems they may have shared. It's a one-time event – the researcher swoops in, collects their data, and takes off like a research helicopter.
In this scenario, the researcher is a mere instrument, interchangeable with any other researcher who could parachute in and get similar results. It's a one-shot deal, efficient but somewhat impersonal.
Qualitative Interviews: Unleashing the Unpredictable
Now, let's switch gears and talk about qualitative interviews. These are a different breed altogether. They're less about sticking to a script and more about exploration. Sure, there might be central questions, but there's a world of flexibility surrounding them.
Unlike their quantitative cousins, qualitative interviews embrace unpredictability. The interviewer might shuffle the order of questions, revisit earlier ones, or even discard some altogether. Why? Because in this dance, the interviewee is the star, not the interviewer.
The structure of a qualitative interview revolves around the person being interviewed. It's a dynamic process, allowing the interviewee to take the lead, go off on tangents, and explore territories the interviewer may not have anticipated. And you know what? That's a good thing!
In qualitative interviews, the interviewee is acknowledged as the expert. The interaction becomes a two-way street, a conversation where the interviewer is just as receptive to learning as the interviewee is to sharing. There's room for spontaneity, and the interviewee's knowledge is seen as a valuable resource to be tapped into.
Unlike the get-it-and-go style of quantitative interviews, qualitative researchers recognize the need to invest time in building a relationship. Trust and rapport become key players, paving the way for authentic responses. Multiple interviews might be conducted to truly understand the subjective meanings being shared.
Summary
So there you have it – the tale of two interviews. One is a structured, one-time affair, while the other is a dynamic exploration, an ongoing conversation. The next time you find yourself navigating the world of research interviews, consider the dance between rigidity and flexibility, and don't forget to appreciate the unique insights each method brings to the table.
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