Final answer:
The approach that directs the focus while allowing for freedom of expression in interviews is asking open-ended questions. This method invites the interviewee to share detailed and qualitative responses, providing depth and insight into their thoughts and behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The approach used to direct the focus of the interview while allowing maximum freedom of expression is a. Asking open-ended questions. Open-ended questions are designed to encourage a full, meaningful answer using the subject's own knowledge and feelings. These questions are advantageous because they give the interviewee the freedom to respond in detail, which can be especially useful in qualitative research where the interviewer is seeking to understand behaviors, motives, and ideas.
Creating an interview script with open-ended questions is fundamental for gaining valuable insights. Questions like "How do you plan to use your college education?" invite extensive responses and enable the interviewer to collect qualitative data. Additionally, such an approach facilitates a more conversational and less restrictive interview environment, which can lead to more candid and comprehensive answers.