Semi-structured interviews initiate natural discourse, or communication. It is a very effective process in anthropological research, as well as challenging. The intention is to attempt to get the participant/ informant/ interviewee to converse about the topic, the researcher is interested in, without overly controlling. For example, if the investigator is inquiring about environmental sustainability, then the questions are oriented in a way to try to get the people to talk in, around, top, and over - that topic. This method is based on the use of an Interview Guide, a set of clear instructions and open questions.
This method is also useful when there won't be a second chance to interview the same person again. Semi-structured interviewing works very well in projects where you are dealing with high-level bureaucrats and elite members of a community— people who are accustomed to efficient use of their time. It demonstrates that you are fully in control of what you want from an interview but leaves both you and your respondent free to follow new leads. It shows that you are prepared and competent but that you are not trying to exercise excessive control. (Bernard, 2011)
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