Interview

An interview is a conversation in which two or more people take on the roles of questioner and respondent. The general purpose is to elicit information, perspectives, or knowledge about the person being interviewed or a particular subject. Interviews can take place in person, by telephone, or via video conference.

Interviews are used in various settings: journalism, recruitment, social research, healthcare, and legal proceedings such as police investigation. Each context has its own conventions governing how questions are posed and how answers are recorded.

Forms of interview

Structurally, three main types exist. A structured interview uses predetermined questions that are identical for all respondents. An unstructured interview resembles a free-flowing conversation, with the interviewer following the direction of dialogue. A semi-structured interview combines both approaches: there is a list of topics, but follow-up questions can be pursued.

Interviews in journalism

Within journalism, the interview is a primary tool for gathering information. A journalist seeks to obtain verifiable statements from the subject. It is common to distinguish between remarks that can be published and those marked as background, attributed only indirectly. Open-ended questions allow the respondent room to elaborate; closed questions seek yes-or-no answers.

Interviews in recruitment and research

Companies and organizations use interviews to assess skills and suitability for work. Various formats exist: individual interviews, panel interviews, and group interviews. In social research, the interview is a systematic data-collection method often compared with questionnaires. Researchers typically seek to avoid leading questions.

Ethical and quality issues

Regulations and ethical codes often require that the respondent be informed of the interview's purpose, how the information will be used, and their right to decline to answer. Factors affecting quality include the interviewer's neutrality, the respondent's concern about consequences, and shifts in meaning when speech is translated or summarized.