Advantages of Interview Method
The advantages of the interview method over other techniques are as follows:
- Changing the interview situation allows a well-trained interviewer to obtain more data and greater clarity. This cannot be accomplished through a questionnaire.
- Unlike a questionnaire, an interview gives the researcher the opportunity to follow-up on leads.
- There are often shortcomings with questionnaires in that they are often shallow and do not give a true reflection of opinions and feelings. Interviews usually allow for much deeper exploration.
- Using motivational techniques and maintaining rapport with the subject is one way for a skilled interviewer to obtain relevant information, other methods do not permit such an outcome.
- In an interview, respondents may reveal confidential information that they do not wish to record on a questionnaire.
- Those who cannot express themselves in writing, such as children and illiterate people, can use interview techniques. Questionnaires do not allow this.