Interviewing Techniques and Ethics: Master the Art of Effective Interviews

Question 1

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of a semi-structured interview?

Accepted Answer

The interviewer can follow up on and probe respondent's answers.

Answer

The interviewer has a rigid set of predetermined questions.

Answer

The respondent has limited control over the direction of the interview.

Answer

The interviewer cannot introduce new topics.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of active listening in interviewing?

Accepted Answer

To demonstrate understanding, build rapport, and encourage the respondent to share more.

Answer

To control the flow of the interview and steer the conversation.

Answer

To interpret the respondent's answers and draw conclusions.

Answer

To evaluate the respondent's credibility and reliability.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT an ethical consideration when interviewing vulnerable populations?

Accepted Answer

Pressuring the respondent to share sensitive information.

Answer

Obtaining informed consent prior to the interview.

Answer

Maintaining confidentiality and protecting the respondent's privacy.

Answer

Using respectful and non-judgmental language.

Question 4

What is the main reason for using probes in interviewing?

Accepted Answer

To clarify or expand on respondent's answers and gather more in-depth information.

Answer

To change the subject of the interview abruptly.

Answer

To challenge the respondent's views and assumptions.

Answer

To bring the interview to a close.

Question 5

What is the key difference between an open-ended and closed-ended interview question?

Accepted Answer

Open-ended questions allow for a broader range of responses, while closed-ended questions limit responses to specific options.

Answer

Closed-ended questions are more efficient, while open-ended questions require more time to answer.

Answer

Open-ended questions are easier to analyze, while closed-ended questions provide more quantitative data.

Answer

Closed-ended questions encourage respondents to share more detailed information, while open-ended questions can be more superficial.

Question 6

What is the primary purpose of conducting a pilot interview?

Accepted Answer

To test the interview protocol, identify potential issues, and refine the interview process.

Answer

To collect preliminary data for the main research study.

Answer

To train the interviewer and familiarize them with the interview process.

Answer

To build rapport with potential respondents and increase their participation rate.

Question 7

What is the primary purpose of rapport building in the interview process?

Accepted Answer

To establish trust and encourage active participation

Answer

To assert the researcher's authority and direct the flow of the interview

Answer

To quickly gather specific factual information

Answer

To identify the key themes of the research study

Question 8

What is the main advantage of using a structured interview approach?

Accepted Answer

Standardization and comparability of data

Answer

Flexibility in exploring participant responses

Answer

Depth and richness of participant narratives

Answer

Ability to follow the natural flow of the conversation

Question 9

Which interviewing technique is most suitable for encouraging participants to provide detailed responses in an unstructured interview?

Accepted Answer

Probing to delve deeper into participant responses

Answer

Direct questioning without further exploration

Answer

Paraphrasing to ensure understanding

Answer

Summarizing to wrap up the interview

Question 10

What is the role of the researcher in a semi-structured interview?

Accepted Answer

To facilitate a conversational flow while exploring specific themes

Answer

To strictly adhere to a pre-determined set of questions

Answer

To allow the participant to lead the conversation without guidance

Answer

To actively challenge the participant's opinions and perspectives

Question 11

In the context of interviewing, what does the ethical principle of confidentiality entail?

Accepted Answer

Protecting the interviewee's identity and responses from disclosure

Answer

Securing interview data appropriately

Answer

Utilizing interview data strictly for research purposes

Answer

Obtaining informed consent prior to conducting the interview

Question 12

In an unstructured interview, what is the interviewer's primary role?

Accepted Answer

Allow the interviewee to speak freely without interruption.

Answer

Adhere to a predetermined set of questions.

Answer

Guide the interviewee's responses.

Answer

Evaluate the interviewee's answers.

Question 13

What is a key characteristic of a semi-structured interview?

Accepted Answer

Questions can be tailored to each participant.

Answer

A set of predetermined questions is used.

Answer

The format is completely open-ended.

Answer

The focus is on the researcher's personal experiences.

Question 14

In thematic analysis of interview data, which step is essential?

Accepted Answer

Coding the data

Answer

Transcribing the interviews

Answer

Selecting the sample

Answer

Interpreting the data

Question 15

When designing an interview schedule, which of the following is a potential disadvantage of using open-ended questions?

Accepted Answer

Open-ended questions can be time-consuming to ask and answer.

Answer

Open-ended questions can encourage rapport with the interviewee.

Answer

Open-ended questions facilitate probing into the interviewee's responses.

Answer

Open-ended questions are difficult to analyze.

Question 16

What is the primary goal of employing active listening techniques in interviewing?

Accepted Answer

To demonstrate empathy and understanding

Answer

To assess the reliability of the participant's responses

Answer

To maintain control over the flow of the interview

Answer

To gather as much data as possible

Question 17

Which ethical principle emphasizes maintaining the privacy of participants?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Anonymity

Question 18

What is a key benefit of using semi-structured interviews?

Accepted Answer

Offers flexibility while allowing for in-depth data collection

Answer

Ease of data analysis

Answer

High level of control

Answer

Time efficiency

Question 19

In a focus group interview, what is the primary role of the interviewer?

Accepted Answer

Facilitator and moderator

Answer

Participant

Answer

Data collector

Answer

Observer

Question 20

Which of the following represents a fundamental principle of effective interviewing?

Accepted Answer

Respectful and non-judgmental communication

Answer

Rapid-fire questioning

Answer

Frequent interruptions

Answer

Leading questions

Question 21

Which type of interview is best suited for in-depth exploration of sensitive topics with a single individual?

Accepted Answer

In-depth interview

Answer

Focus group interview

Answer

Telephone interview

Answer

Structured interview

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT considered an ethical principle in interviewing?

Accepted Answer

Using leading questions to guide participant responses

Answer

Maintaining confidentiality

Answer

Obtaining informed consent

Question 23

A researcher wants to explore the impact of social isolation on older adults. Which sampling method would be most appropriate for selecting participants for in-depth interviews?

Accepted Answer

Purposive sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Random sampling

Answer

Snowball sampling

Question 24

During an interview, a participant becomes emotional and starts to cry. How should the interviewer respond?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the participant's emotions and offer support.

Answer

Interrupt the participant and change the topic.

Answer

Ignore the participant's emotions and continue the interview.

Question 25

What is the main purpose of conducting a pilot interview?

Accepted Answer

To refine the interview guide and identify potential problems before conducting the main study.

Answer

To test the researcher's interviewing skills.

Answer

To gather preliminary data for analysis.

Question 26

What is one advantage of using semi-structured interviews?

Accepted Answer

They allow flexibility and depth in exploring participant perspectives.

Answer

They require minimal planning and preparation.

Answer

They are easy to replicate and compare across different studies.

Question 27

A researcher is using interview data to explore the experiences of young people in care. Which type of analysis is most suitable?

Accepted Answer

Thematic analysis

Answer

Quantitative analysis

Answer

Regression analysis

Answer

Statistical analysis

Question 28

What is the role of active listening in an interview?

Accepted Answer

To show genuine interest and encourage the participant to share their experiences.

Answer

To gather specific information that supports the researcher's hypothesis.

Answer

To ensure the interview is completed within the allocated time.

Question 29

Which of the following is a potential limitation of using interviews in social research?

Accepted Answer

Interviewer bias can influence participant responses.

Answer

They provide a high level of detail and richness of data.

Answer

They allow for exploration of complex and sensitive topics.