What defines structured interviews?

Structured interviews are characterized by the inclusion of a rigid set of pre-determined questions. This structure provides consistency across interviews, enabling direct comparisons of responses from different participants. By adhering to a specific set of questions, the researcher can ensure that all relevant topics are covered and that responses can be quantitatively analyzed.

The use of pre-determined questions minimizes variation in how each interview is conducted, which enhances reliability and validity in the data collected. This standardized approach is particularly useful in research that requires clear and comparable data.

In contrast, spontaneous discussion and informal questioning would typically be features of unstructured or semi-structured interviews, which do not adhere to a strict format. Similarly, prioritizing the interviewer's personal experiences does not align with the objective nature of structured interviews, which aim to focus on the responses of the interviewee rather than the interviewer’s input.