Dentify techniques for quantifying qualitative data

Interviewing is the process of obtaining information from a person. It is one of the qualitative methods of collecting data which provide information to better understand the different processes behind results from observation and evaluate the changes taking place in how people perceive their well-being. This method is also helpful in improving the quality of evaluations from surveys through generating evaluation hypothesis, strengthening survey questionnaire design and clarifying quantitative findings. Using interviews can help us see that “a strict dichotomy between implicit and explicit knowledge may be inappropriate” (Mancy, 2006).According to Katz (undated), interviewing determines the reliability and validity of information.

It is used when a researcher wants to make predictions on certain findings. For instance, he wants to validate his hypothesis that the social life has no effect on the academic performance of a college student. Interviewing can be used when a researcher wants to study the knowledge, attitudes and practice of his subject regarding something. For example, a researcher wants to know the practices of different hog raisers in a certain community. He can conduct interviews on hog raisers.

It is also appropriate to use when we want to validate information. An example would be, a researcher interviews a subject to confirm if a certain process is proven correct. Follow-up interviews allow us to strengthen our previous arguments or hypothesis. It can also be used at the different phases of the development process, monitoring purposes, and for eliciting feedback immediately. For example, a researcher wants to get the insights of a certain number of people about euthanasia.

There are also situations when using interview is not the appropriate option. One example is when you want to cover a large number of populations.For example, it is not appropriate if your sample population is 100. It is too time consuming.

Interview is not appropriate to evaluate and/or select the number of applicants. For instance, he wants to know how many subjects he will include in a study. It is not appropriate to interview his subjects and then determine who he will include afterwards. It is not appropriate when a researcher wants to see the relationship between two variables or for experimenting. For example, a researcher will not elicit information if he asks his subject if Plant A or B will grow with or without sunlight.It is not also appropriate when information must be based on previous studies.

For instance, a researcher wants to conduct a content analysis of a newspaper. One type of interview is the structured interview, which is appropriate when the evaluator wants to lessen any variation in the questions. For instance, he wants to know the reading habits of freshmen in a university. It is useful if the interviewer wants the same information from the participants at one time when lack of time affects data collection and analysis. For examples, he wants to know what mothers think of the newborn screening.However, this type hinders the interviewer from pursuing topics that were not expected.

For example, a researcher cannot ask about relevant topics that he can use in his data. It also limits the interviewer to probe participants depending on their experiences (PovertyNet, undated). For instance, he cannot ask one mother why she disapproves of newborn screening. Semi-structured interview is more focused and allows the interviewer to explore areas of questions to gain more information.

For example, a researcher asks a scientist about his scientific studies during college even if the main topic is about the present achievement of the subject.It also allows flexibility and responsiveness. The subject can feel at ease. But the interviewer may ask unthought-of questions on the spur of the moment. For instance he asks his subject about a very personal and sensitive issue.

This is also time-consuming, and lack of rapport with the interviewees may lead to low quality data. If the subject is not relaxed, he might not say things that can be helpful. Unstructured interview has no strict guidelines and both parties can feel relaxed at the flow of the conversation. An example would be the TV interviews on celebrities. Any topic can be discussed.For example, a celebrity’s past and present life, achievements and even embarrassing moments.

The subject can divulge information, even if not asked. But gathering systematic information is time consuming and the data analysis is difficult. This is because there are too many issues on the interview. For instance, the main topic is the achievements of the interviewee but there are too many lines about irrelevant information. Also, there can be inadequate information provided on certain issues.

For instance, a researcher forgot to ask about something because he pursued other questions.A good interview starts when the interviewer establishes rapport with his subject. This means that both the interviewer and the subject must feel at ease with each other. The interviewer must also choose what type of interview to use so that he gets the information he needed. For example, he will interview a scientist who developed a new breed of rice.

Should he use structured, semi-structured or unstructured interview? He should ask open-ended questions. For example, how is this new rice breed different from other breeds? He must also record the interview. For instance, the interviewer can take detailed notes or use a tape recorder.