Intervjuud

Intervjuud, the Estonian term for interviews, are a form of question-and-answer communication used to obtain information, opinions, or experiences from a person. The practice is common in journalism, media, and research and has evolved with print, radio, television, and digital platforms. It serves as a primary means to obtain firsthand perspectives.

Intervjuud occur in many formats, including face-to-face, telephone, video, or written exchanges, and can be conducted live or recorded. They can be information interviews, biographical or profile interviews, or investigative discussions. In social science and qualitative research, variants include structured, semi-structured, and unstructured interviews, each guiding the interaction differently and affecting comparability.

The process typically involves preparation (research on the subject, defining objectives, and drafting questions), conducting the interview (establishing rapport, asking clear, open-ended questions, and following up), and post-interview work (transcription, verification, and analysis). Ethical considerations include informed consent for recording and publication, privacy, anonymity when requested, and accurate attribution of quotes.

In media, interviews contribute to reporting, feature writing, and profiling, while in research they provide qualitative data and insights. They are powerful but susceptible to bias, misquotation, and manipulation if not conducted and interpreted carefully. Best practices emphasize neutrality, fair representation, corroboration, and reflexivity by the interviewer.