Facilitating Multi Stakeholder Processes and Social Learning Herman Brouwer / Karèn Verhoosel Centre for Development Innovation Semi structured Interviews Visit://portals.wi.wur.nl/msp//portals.wi.wur.nl/msp

Semi-structured interviews Objectives - by the end of the session participants are able to: Understand how to conduct a semi-structured interview Apply this understanding to the field case

Semi-structured Interview

The dog ….

Semi-structured Interview - Definition Conversation with a purpose Involves a set of guide questions or discussion points Interviewer combines guide questions with new questions that arise during the interview => The information generated is not limited to a set of predetermined questions, but evolves with new information provided by respondents

Semi-structured interview Differs from a structured interview which has a specific set of questions in a specific sequence often with multiple choice options for responses e.g. questionnaires

Semi-structured Interviews - Purpose Often part of larger programme of research; e.g. to complement participant observation or life histories A way of generating data or information by providing opportunity for the interviewer to Probe answers Open up new dimensions of a problem or issue Secure vivid (more clear, alive), accurate and inclusive accounts based on personal experiences

Interview Role Plays: 4 groups Group 1: prepare and perform a GOOD semi-structured interview with a logging company on sustainable forest management. Group 2: Prepare a BAD semi-structured interview with an a logging company on sustainable forest management. Group 3: prepare and perform a GOOD semi-structured interview with a local government on an improved education system Group 4: Prepare a BAD semi-structured interview with local government on an improved education system

Reflection: What are the “Do’s” of a SSI? What are the “Dont’s” of a SSI?

Types of Semi-Structured Interviews (SSI) Individual interview: to obtain representative information Key informant interview: To obtain special knowledge Group interview: To obtain community-level information Focus group discussion: To discuss specific topics in detail

Semi structured Interview - preparation Gather and review available data and information about the area, community Be familiar with local technical terms and understand cultural meanings of gestures and other symbols (acknowledge cultural differences) Use participatory techniques in identifying key informants Prepare an agenda and list the topics

Semi structured Interview - preparation Phrase questions that require informants to tell a story and not those that are answered by YES or NO How often do you go to the market? Open-ended question Do you go to the market twice a week? Leading question; Arrange for a place for the interview where the informant will feel at ease

Semi structured Interview – Type of questions Descriptive Prompt informants to describe their activities Could you describe what happened after the first meeting on the living vision? Structural Attempt to find out how informants understand their situations and organise their knowledge What are the major drivers of change in the village? What tells you so?

Semi structured Interview – Type of questions Contrast Encourage informants to discuss the meanings of situations Provide opportunity for comparisons between situations and events that occur in the informant’s world How would you compare the living conditions in the village now with that of 20 years ago? Probing Allow informants to analyse and reflect on the deeper causes of a particular situation. Questions usually start with “How?” And “When?

Semi structured Interview – approach Introduce yourself and the purpose of interview Present the general topics or themes to be covered in the interview Start with simple questions that require description. Then move to more complex structural and contrast questions Ask open-ended and no leading questions Be particularly sensitive when asking probing questions

Semi structured Interview – approach Write up interview ASAP when it is still fresh in your mind When possible share with the informant how you used the information from the interview Remember you are there to learn not to teach Individual interviews should not be longer than 45 minutes to 1 hour Group interviews should not last longer than 2 hours

Semi structured Interview – Tips Start with general questions and then get more specific Make links between comments by posing further questions in informants own words to encourage him/her to provide information in own terms Ask questions in different ways to probe so that informants will provide further information Make links between observations and information given during the interviews

Semi structured Interview – Tips Questions can be built around: List of sub topics Maps, photographs, diagrams, rich pictures Direct observations

Semi structured Interview – Strengths Can generate perceptions and emotions in detail (body language!) Interviews can lead to trust Can provide excellent contextual picture for the area Cross checked with other information Revealing personal dynamics and how these affect the topics of discussion

Semi structured Interview – Limitations Time consuming Different interviewers -> different results Some responses influenced by personal biases (talk about personal grievances) People give answers which they think you expect to hear