Institutional Learning and Change Initiative

The following text is drawn from Taylor-Powell et al (2002).

Interviews

Interviews are based on the age-old process of talking with and listening to people. Interviews may range from being tightly structured, seeking to collect the same information from each respondent, or free-flowing and conversational. Interviews may be conducted face to face or over the phone. They may be conducted with individuals or a group, as in a focus group interview. They also vary by structure, purpose and types of questions.

When conducting iterviews you may want to keep in mind the different types of information you will be getting depending on the structure. For example, people will respond to questions differently in a group contect than they will individually. When possible use different types of interviews for verification or combine interviews with other methods.

Interviews primarily provide qualitative data, but some quantitative information may also be gathered if the questions are structured. Interviews are especially useful for evaluating collaboratives when used to explore issues.

Source: Taylor-Powell, E., B. Rossing, et al. (1998). Evaluating Collaboratives: Reaching the potential. Program Development and Evaluation. Madison, Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin-Extension: 190. http://learningstore.uwex.edu/pdf/G3658-8.PDF

References:

Guijt, I. and J. Woodhill (2002). Managing for Impact in Rural Development : A guide for project M & E. Rome, Italy: International Fund for Agricultural Development http://www.ifad.org/evaluation/guide/index.htm