What are interviews in academic research?

In academics, interviews are a qualitative research method that involves asking questions in order to collect necessary data. These interview questions are mainly group according to the way they are structures, which may  include, more structured questions, semi-structured questions, and unstructured questions. Firstly, the structured interview questions are predetermined questions asked in a predetermined order. Meaning, a researcher prepares them objectively, orderly, and specifically before the  actual interview. Secondly, the semi-structured interview questions, which includes more structured, open-ended, and free flowing questions. Lastly, unstructured interview questions, these are the questions that go with the flow of the interview process, they are free flowing and can include a lot of propping  questions.

When do we use interviews?

Interviews are mostly used during the data collection process, where the researcher  (interviewer) relies on asking questions in order to understand the phenomenon.  These questions are guided by the research objectives, the researcher requests consent first from the participants (interviewees), then share the interview questions before the actual interview, in some cases during the interview process.  When everyone is comfortable, dates, times and setting for the actual interview process are concluded.

How do we use interviews?

In research, we use interviews to get more understanding, receive new information and develop new conclusions.  Academic interviews are used to proof existing knowledge or to close the gap within the existing knowledge. They are used as tools to affirm, improve, interact, understand and in some cases disagree. Consequently, they help the researcher to receive primary data and draw conclusions based on direct interaction and analysis. They provide an experience for both the researcher and the participant.  Most cases in academics, interviews are used in ethnographic research.

Who is involved in the interviews?

Depending on the nature of the research study, there are usually two people involved in the interview process. The researcher, who is an interviewer during the interview process and the participant who is the interviewee during the interview process. They both become engaged in the process where the researcher asks the questions, and the participant answers the questions.