Page 89 - DLIS401_METHODOLOGY_OF_RESEARCH_AND_STATISTICAL_TECHNIQUES

Methodology of Research and Statistical Techniques

Notes

Task Give a distinction between structured and unstructured interview.

Planning an interview:

• List the areas in which you require information.
• Decide on type of interview.
• Transform areas into actual questions.
• Try them out on a friend or relative.

• Make an appointment with respondent(s) – discussing details of why and how long.
• Try and fix a venue and time when you will not be disturbed.

Conducting an interview:
• Personally – arrive on time be smart smile employ good manners find
a balance between friendliness and objectivity.
• At the start – introduce yourself re-confirm the purpose assure confidentiality
– if relevant specify what will happen to the data.
• The questions – speak slowly in a soft, yet audible tone of voice control
your body language know the questions and topic ask all
the questions.
• Responses – recorded as you go on questionnaire written verbatim, but
slow and time-consuming summarised by you taped – agree
beforehand – have alternative method if not acceptable consider
effect on respondent’s answers proper equipment in good
working order sufficient tapes and batteries minimum of
background noise.

• At the end – ask if the respondent would like to give further details
about anything or any questions about the research thank
them.
Telephone interview
This is an alternative form of interview to the personal, face-to-face interview.

Advantages:
• Relatively cheap.
• Quick.
• Can cover reasonably large numbers of people or organisations.
• Wide geographic coverage.

• High response rate – keep going till the required number.
• No waiting.
• Spontaneous response.
• Help can be given to the respondent.

• Can tape answers.

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