Interview

An interview is a purposeful conversation in which one person asks questions and another provides answers. It is used to gather information, assess suitability, or explore experiences and opinions. Interviews can be structured with a fixed set of questions, semi-structured with flexible prompts, or unstructured and conversational.

Common forms include job interviews, where an employer evaluates candidates; journalism interviews to obtain quotes and information for reporting; research or qualitative interviews to study people’s lives, behaviors, or views; and investigative or oral history interviews that document events or experiences for archives.

Process: planning, question design, establishing rapport, and choosing a setting; conducting the interview; recording results with consent; and analyzing or reporting the information. Effective interviewing relies on open-ended questions, active listening, neutrality, and follow-up prompts. Researchers and journalists may use consent forms and transcription to ensure accuracy and attribution.

Formats and settings vary: in-person, telephone, video, or written exchanges. Depending on goals, formats may be strict (structured) or flexible (unstructured), with semi-structured interviews balancing prepared questions and spontaneous discussion.

Outcomes depend on preparation, interviewing skill, and the willingness of respondents to share candid information. Interviews can yield detailed insights but may be influenced by interviewer bias, social dynamics, or recall issues. Ethics emphasize informed consent, privacy, and appropriate use of quotes and data.