tiefeninterviews

Tiefeninterviews, also known as in-depth interviews or qualitative interviews, are a research method used to gain a deep understanding of a person's opinions, beliefs, experiences, and motivations. Unlike surveys with pre-defined questions, Tiefeninterviews are typically open-ended and semi-structured, allowing for flexibility and exploration of emergent themes. The interviewer guides the conversation with a list of topics but allows the interviewee to elaborate freely. This approach aims to uncover nuanced perspectives and uncover underlying reasons for attitudes and behaviors.

The primary goal of Tiefeninterviews is to collect rich, detailed data that goes beyond surface-level responses. Researchers use this method when they want to understand the "why" behind phenomena. The interviewer often employs probing questions, such as "Can you tell me more about that?" or "How did that make you feel?", to encourage deeper reflection and explanation from the participant. The interview process is usually conversational, building rapport to create a comfortable environment for the interviewee to share openly.

Tiefeninterviews are valuable in various fields, including market research, social sciences, psychology, and user experience design. They are particularly useful for exploring complex issues, understanding individual narratives, and generating hypotheses for further quantitative research. The data collected is usually transcribed and analyzed thematically, identifying recurring patterns and insights across multiple interviews. While time-consuming to conduct and analyze, Tiefeninterviews offer unparalleled depth and richness of information.