1. The BIG Idea
INTERVIEWS
Identify different types of interview, and reasons why sociologists use them.
Discover issues related to conducting different types of interview.
We are Learning to...
In today’s lesson...
GOOD Learning...
Be able to identify two types of interview used by sociologists, and on.
GREAT LEARNING...
Be able to identify at least two types of interview used by sociologists, describing the differences between them, and .
EVEN BETTER...
Be able to give a detailed outline of more than one crime prevention strategy, including keywords, and use a study for each to evaluate their strengths and limitations.
(up to 1.07)

2. Structured – Unstructured – Group

3. Structured Interviews
Similar strengths & weaknesses to questionnaires (except even more time consuming)

4. Unstructured Interviews
Strengths
Rapport and Sensitivity
Checking Understanding
Flexibility
Exploring Unfamiliar Topics
Weaknesses
Practical problems – time, skills of the interviewer, etc.
Representativeness
Reliability
Analysis of data
Worksheet to fill in

5. Group Interviews Strengths
Participants may feel more comfortable, so may talk more openly.
Usually with their peers.
Discussion based.
Researcher can combine questioning with observing the group dynamic.
Limitations
One or two individuals may dominate.
Needs a strong researcher to keep the group focused.
Peer group pressure to conform.
Negative relationships could cause a problem.

6. The Interview as a Social Interaction
The interaction between the interviewer and the participant can threaten the validity of interviews.
Interviewer bias.
Artificiality.
Status and power inequalities.

7. Improving Validity
Alfred Kingsley – interviewing on sexual behaviour. Asked questions QUICKLY! Followed up questions 18 months later.
Howard Becker – used aggression, disbelief and ‘playing dumb’!
Pilot studies – see how comfortable your participants are in answering your questions.
Establish Empathy - Making sure the interviewer is ethnically and linguistically matched.

8. Only fifty words – which would you use, and why?