Interviewerdriven

Interviewer-driven refers to an interviewing approach in which the interviewer largely controls the direction of the interview through topic selection, question sequencing, and prompting. The term is often contrasted with respondent-driven or semi-structured interviewing, where respondents shape the topics and pace of discussion.

In research and journalism, interviewer-driven methods are used when investigators need to cover specific issues, ensure comparability across interviews, or obtain detailed information on particular topics. They are common in qualitative market research, usability studies, policy analysis, and investigative reporting, where consistency and focused inquiry can be advantageous.

Key characteristics include a prepared guide or script, a formal or semi-formal interview setting, and a relatively fixed sequence of questions designed to facilitate cross-case comparisons. The interviewer may also interrupt, probe, or redirect to ensure coverage of targeted areas or to clarify responses.

Advantages of interviewer-driven interviewing include efficiency in data collection, easier comparison across interviews due to standardized questions, and the ability to elicit detailed information on predefined topics. It can be effective for auditing, screening, or baseline assessments where uniform data are desirable.

Disadvantages involve a higher risk of interviewer bias, leading questions, and social desirability pressures that can shape responses. It can limit respondent autonomy and potentially overlook unexpected or nuanced insights that emerge when respondents steer the conversation.

Methodological considerations to mitigate biases include interviewer training in neutral phrasing, piloting guides, using standardized prompts, recording reflexivity notes, and periodically reviewing question wording to reduce suggestiveness. Hybrid approaches can combine structure with opportunities for respondent-driven exploration.

See also: interview, semi-structured interview, interviewer bias, qualitative research, standardized interview.