Final answer:
Interviews can be conducted through open-ended questions, closed-ended questions, and focus groups, each yielding different types of qualitative and quantitative data.
Step-by-step explanation:
Interviews and Content Analysis Methods
Interviews can be conducted in several ways, similar to content analysis approaches. There are various methods including open-ended questions, closed-ended questions, and focus groups to gather qualitative and quantitative data respectively. Open-ended questions allow for more expressive answers that are subjective and vary from individual to individual, providing in-depth insights into personal beliefs, political views, and morals. Closed-ended questions, on the other hand, are more structured and usually offer predetermined responses, which are easier to quantify and statistically analyze. Focus groups then combine both approaches in a group discussion format, providing a broader view of the participants’ opinions and experiences.
An example of an open-ended question might be, "How do you plan to use your college education?", requiring a person to provide a more elaborate, subjective response. In contrast, a closed-ended question might be structured as a yes-or-no question, or provide multiple-choice options, such as "Did you receive your degree?" Focus groups can bring together people to discuss topics while researchers observe or facilitate the conversation.