Interview as a social research method
Introduction
Research plays an integral role in enhancing quality of life and transforming the society. It is defined as a scientific and systematic inquiry that is involves the use of inductive and deductive approaches to examine a social problem. Social scientists understand that research is important because it enables them to describe, predict, explain and solve social problems. As scientists, social scientists employ different research methods to conduct social research and valid their claims empirically. Although research methods differ in many aspects, they can grouped in two main dimensions namely; qualitative design and quantitative design. In quantitative design, a social scientist collects, analyzes and quantifies data numerical, whereas in qualitative design the research collects and analyzes data that cannot be quantified numerical, but rather qualitatively (Creswell & Clark, 2007). In most instances, social scientists may use more than one research method in their studies, but the type of research method(s) used for the study is determined by research questions, formulated hypothesis and goals and objectives of the study. The paper seeks to explore the use of interview as a research method in social research.
Interview is a form of qualitative research method that involves a conversation between an interviewer (researcher) and one or more than two interviewees (subjects). The interviewer posts questions to the subjects to understand and examine the topic or theme of the study qualitatively and empirically. The interviewer is required to employ various techniques, etiquette and skills, especially the listening and communication skills to enhance accuracy, reliability and validity of information gathered in the interview. The interviewer should not interrupt, ask leading question, probe and make the interviewer uncomfortable when conducting the interview. In so doing, the interviewer will affect the internal validity of data collected because the validity of interviews is evaluated based on how the subjects convey their opinions and the extent in which the responses reflects their inner voice. It is advisable that the interviewer should embrace a participatory approach to address the issue of validity and avoid other challenges related to data collection.
Like other research methods, interviews have strengths and weakness. Interviews enable researchers to gather first hand and detailed information from the subjects. In an interview, the participants have an opportunity to give a detailed account about a given phenomenon and substantiate their assertions qualitatively. In the same breath, the researcher can use other cues such as body language, tonal variation and facial expression of the participants to understand the issue more or seek clarification from the participants; a move that enhances accuracy, validity and reliability of data gathered.
Consequently, interviews have several weaknesses, which affect the reliability, accuracy and validity of information gathered in the study. Interviews are time consuming, expensive and more importantly, they have low internal validity-that is caused by interviewer effect. In most cases, interviewer effect occurs when participates provide responses, which they assume that the researcher intends to gather thus lowering accuracy of data gathered.
Interview, as a research method may assume different dimensions, but it can be grouped into semi-structured and structured interview (standardized interview). In structured interview, the interviewer presents participants with same questions and requires them to select the most appropriate answer for each question (Schafer, 2011). On the other hand, in the semi-structured interview, the researcher engages in a normal conversation with the participants, but uses the interview list to guide the entire interview session. In other words, participants are allowed to describe and explain a given phenomenon in their own way in a semi-structured interview.
Most social scientists use interview as a research method to examine, explain, describe, predict and solve social problems including the topics on substance abuse within a family. In a study done by Gabriele Schafer on family functioning in families with alcohol and other drug addiction, 2011, the researcher used semi-structured interview to gather information from three women and nine men in the study. The researcher was able to collect accurate, reliable and valid data because this research method was suitable for the study and matched with the research question of the study. Gabriele work provides an excellent case study how interview can be used as an effective research method to investigate, predict, explain and solve social problems.
References
Creswell, J., & Clark, V. (2007). Designing and conducting mixed methods research. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: SAGE Publications.
Schafer, G. (2011). Family functioning in families with alcohol and other drug addiction. Social Policy Journal of New Zealand, (37). Retrieved November 12, 2014, from https://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/publications-resources/journals-and-magazines/social-policy-journal/spj37/37-family-functioning-in-families-with-alcohol-and-other-drug-addiction.html
