(+) Faster execution - Thanks to the limited response categories in structured interviews, researchers can cover a larger audience because they can conducted the interviews relatively faster compared to unstructured or semi-structured interviews. The empathy and encouragement of the interviewer will help the interviewee to feel comfortable discussing difficult or personal topics like abuse A semi-structured interview (SSI) is one of the essential tools in conduction qualitative research. This essay draws upon the pros and cons of applying semi-structured interviews (SSI) in the qualitative research method. The strengths of unstructured interviews are that they are respondent led, flexible, allow empathy and can be empowering, the limitations are poor reliability due to interviewer characteristics and bias, time, and low representativeness. Moreover, the challenges of SSI during the coronavirus pandemic are critically discussed to provide plausible recommendations. This essay draws upon the pros and cons of applying semi-structured interviews (SSI) no or very predetermined questions which allows the interview to ask as many questions as they find necessary. The longitudinal nature of the research allowed trends over time to be identified and the development of pupils to be regularly monitored in terms of their interaction with teachers and their peer group. A semi-structured interview (SSI) is one of the essential tools in conduction qualitative research. 2. Positive rapport between interviewer and interviewee. Strengths 1. Semi-structured interviews are often considered "the best of both worlds." Combining elements of structured and unstructured interviews gives semi-structured interviews the advantages of both: comparable, reliable data, and the flexibility to ask follow-up questions. The disadvantages are similar to those of unstructured interviews, that this is time-consuming, difficult to conduct and difficult to analyse. There are typically no standard scoring systems for these interviews. 2. During an unstructured interview, the interviewer asks questions unique to that specific candidate. Dobash and Dobash, used them to research domestic violence. An advantage compared with structured interviews is that it gives the opportunity to use sensitivity to prevent stress and discomfort for the interviewee, and also avoids missing potentially fruitful data. This essay draws upon the pros and cons of applying semi-structured interviews (SSI) in the qualitative research method. A semi-structured interview (SSI) is one of the essential tools in conduction qualitative research. Strengths / Uses of Method Weaknesses / Limitations of Method 1. This method has the following Strengths / Uses: This method has the following Weaknesses / Limitations: 1. No distractions Advantages - RAPPORT AND SENSITIVITY - Dobash and Dobash Unstructured interviews are particularly useful when researching 'sensitive topics'. A semi-structured interview (SSI) is one of the essential tools in conduction qualitative research. Name of Method Focused (Semi-structured) Interviews Brief Outline of Method This technique is used to collect qualitative data by setting up a situation (the interview) that allows a . "The strengths of semi-structured interviews are that the researcher can prompt and probe deeper into the given situation" (Kajornboon, 2005, p. 6). Semi-structured interviews provide some needed structure for multiple-case study research in order to ensure cross-case comparability (see Interviewing, Ch.15). It can be used as a powerful form of formative assessment. Structured interviews are easy to replicate as a fixed set of closed questions are used, which are easy to quantify - this means it is easy to test for reliability. The strength of this study is its multi-strategy approach to gathering a range of qualitative data over a significant period of time. An interview involves an interviewer asking questions verbally to a respondent. Standardised questions = a standardised response, all respondents faced with the same questions in the same order; Potential to pre-code answers using computers to analyse the data makes it more straightfoward to produce statistical results as well as being able to quote interviews in the study Structured interviews are fairly quick to conduct which means that many interviews can take place within a short amount of time. Talk abour William Labov's study on Black American pupils where he found theat these pupils are more relaxed and confortable with unstructured interviews rather than formal structure predetermined interviews. Very simple, efficient and practical way It enables the researcher to examine the level of understanding a respondent has about a particular topic - usually in slightly more depth than with a postal questionnaire. Moreover, the challenges of SSI during the coronavirus pandemic are critically discussed to provide plausible recommendations. This essay draws upon the pros and cons of applying semi-structured interviews (SSI). An unstructured interview, also known as an informal or casual interview, is a job interview in which a hiring manager asks unplanned questions based on a candidate's skills. Advantages.