Interview method is a significant data collection technique used in surveys by libraries and information centers, particularly for conducting user studies and information use studies. It is categorized as a "General or Conventional Method," similar to the questionnaire (proforma) method, and is sometimes used in conjunction with it.
Purpose and Process of the Interview Method
The interview method is a form of surveying that involves directly questioning users to obtain answers about their behavior, attributes, values, and preferences. Its primary purpose is to gather information about facts, beliefs, feelings, attitudes, and the reasons behind user actions, which are crucial for designing and evaluating library services. The process is often considered superior to other data gathering methods, though it can be more costly.
The process typically involves an investigator sitting with a user and using a structured list of interview questions. The user's replies are recorded at that moment, allowing the investigator to gather detailed information item by item.
Examples of its application include:
- A pilot survey conducted by INSDOC (now NISCAIR) used both interview and questionnaire techniques to assess the information needs of researchers in the field of electronics.
- A survey by Krishan Kumar at the University of Delhi used interviews alongside questionnaires to study the reading patterns and information-gathering habits of chemistry teachers and research scholars.
- It is used in sociological and illuminative evaluations of user education programs to collect information.
Types of Interviews
The sources describe several types of interview methods used for data collection:
- Formal vs. Informal Interviews: Formal interviews are conducted by appointment at an agreed-upon place, while informal interviews can be organized anytime and anywhere.
- Structured vs. Unstructured Interviews: Structured interviews follow a formal questionnaire to gather information on a specific topic. Unstructured interviews are more flexible, can cover any subject, and are conducted informally.
- Other Types: The sources also mention focused group interviews, in-depth interviews, and telephone interviews as other variations of this technique.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- High Response Rate: The interview technique generally yields a very high response rate and is considered more representative than questionnaires.
- Clarity and Depth: It allows the investigator to obtain more information with greater clarity by asking a series of well-planned questions and probing deeper into the subject.
- Supplementary Information: The interviewer can acquire supplementary information through direct observation of the interviewee.
- Superiority: The method is often considered superior to other data-gathering techniques for understanding user needs and behaviors.
Disadvantages:
- Cost and Time: The method can be expensive and requires a significant amount of time and effort from the investigator.
- Interviewer Bias: There is a possibility of bias, as the investigator can influence the interviewee during the conversation.
- Inaccurate Recall: The interviewee may not remember facts accurately at the time of the interview, which can affect the data's reliability.
The Reference Interview: A Related Application
While distinct from survey interviews, the reference interview is another key application of this technique in libraries. It is a personal dialogue between a librarian and a user to clarify the user's specific information needs. A successful reference interview involves:
- Establishing contact with the user.
- Finding out the user's needs by asking clarifying questions and practicing active listening.
- Confirming that the information provided is what was actually needed.
This process requires the librarian to have skills in communication, approachability, and a deep knowledge of reference sources to effectively establish contact between a reader and their documents in a personal way.
Comparison with Questionnaire Method
The interview method is very similar to the questionnaire method in its objective of collecting information directly from individuals. However, it offers unique advantages, such as the ability to clarify questions on the spot and observe non-verbal cues, which are not possible with a written proforma. The sources indicate that these two methods are often used together in a single study to complement each other.