Final answer:
The purpose of an interview is to gather in-depth data on a topic, with the researcher asking a mix of open-ended and closed questions to elicit rich and detailed responses, and using follow-up questions and strategic pauses to ensure clarity and completeness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of an interview is to enable a researcher to conduct an in-depth exploration of a topic by engaging with subjects in a dynamic conversation. Through this person-to-person, phone, or remote interaction, the interviewer can ask open-ended and closed questions, allowing for comprehensive and nuanced responses that go beyond the limitations of standardized questionnaire formats. Open-ended questions facilitate a more extensive dialogue, encouraging subjects to speak freely and providing opportunities for rich, detailed answers. For instance, asking 'Why did you decide to major in business?' might lead to insights about personal motivations that wouldn't be visible in a simple survey. On the other hand, closed questions like 'When did you receive your degree?' focus on obtaining specific information.
Effective interviewing also involves the strategic use of follow-up questions and silence to encourage subjects to expand on or clarify their responses. The researcher must carefully listen and be prepared to adapt the conversation to ensure they are gathering the most valuable information possible. Furthermore, crafting a thoughtful and well-sequenced script of questions can help guide the interview while providing flexibility to explore interesting avenues that may emerge.
The ultimate goal is to collect data that is honest, comprehensive, and relevant to the research question, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of the subject matter.