Semi-structured interviews
This guidance sets out how to use semi-structured interviews in a research project. It includes considerations in planning interviews, writing a discussion guide and running interviews.
Semi-structured interviews are a widely used qualitative research method.
Semi-structured interviews help you understand why people respond the way they do, and uncover the values, attitudes, beliefs, and experiences that explain their views. and can be a powerful way to explore people’s experiences of health and care services.
They are particularly useful when you need to explore sensitive topics.
Semi-structured interviewing starts with a pre-determined list of questions, but crucially allows people to go beyond the question list.
Read our guidance to find out more.
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Semi-structured interview guidance