Interviews (structured and unstructured)

    AQA
    GCSE

    Candidates must analyze interviews as a primary research method, distinguishing sharply between structured (formal, standardized) and unstructured (informal, guided) approaches. Assessment focuses on the theoretical schism between Positivism (seeking reliability and quantitative data) and Interpretivism (seeking validity and qualitative 'Verstehen'). Responses must evaluate the impact of the 'interviewer effect', the trade-off between representativeness and depth, and the specific utility of feminist methodological critiques regarding power dynamics in research scenarios.

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    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    3
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Credit explicit linkage of structured interviews to quantitative data, reliability, and Positivism (e.g., Young and Willmott).
    • Award marks for analyzing unstructured interviews' capacity to build rapport and uncover meanings (Interpretivism), citing studies like Dobash and Dobash.
    • Candidates must evaluate the 'Interviewer Effect' and 'Social Desirability Bias' as threats to validity.
    • Responses must apply methodological concepts to the specific context in the item (e.g., interviewing vulnerable groups or criminals).

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Credit explicit linkage of structured interviews to quantitative data, reliability, and Positivism (e.g., Young and Willmott).
    • Award marks for analyzing unstructured interviews' capacity to build rapport and uncover meanings (Interpretivism), citing studies like Dobash and Dobash.
    • Candidates must evaluate the 'Interviewer Effect' and 'Social Desirability Bias' as threats to validity.
    • Responses must apply methodological concepts to the specific context in the item (e.g., interviewing vulnerable groups or criminals).

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Always apply the PET framework: Practical issues, Ethical considerations, and Theoretical perspective.
    • 💡When discussing unstructured interviews, explicitly mention 'rapport' and 'Verstehen' to access AO1 marks.
    • 💡In 12-mark questions, ensure the conclusion provides a definitive judgement on the 'relative value' of the method for the specific topic.
    • 💡Use the Item provided; lift the 'hook' (the specific context) and explain how it affects the choice of interview type.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing 'reliability' (replicability) with 'validity' (truthfulness/depth).
    • Listing generic practical issues (time/cost) without linking them to the specific sample size or research context.
    • Failing to acknowledge that group interviews (focus groups) produce distinct dynamics compared to one-to-one interviews.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Identify
    Describe
    Explain
    Discuss how far
    Evaluate
    Examine

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