What is an In-depth Interview?
In-depth, qualitative interviews are excellent tools to use in planning and evaluating Extension programs. An in-depth interview is an open-ended, discovery-oriented method that is well suited for describing both program processes and outcomes from the perspective of the target audience or key stakeholder. The goal of the interview is to deeply explore the respondent’s point of view, feelings and perspectives. In this sense, in-depth interviews yield information. There are key characteristics that differentiate an in-depth, qualitative research interview from a regular interview. Some key characteristics of in-depth interviews include: • Open-ended Questions. Questions should be worded so that respondents cannot simply answer yes or no, but must expound on the topic. • Semi-structured Format. Although you should have some pre-planned questions to ask during the interview, you must also allow questions to flow naturally, based on information provided by the respondent. You should not in
