Techniques of Data Collection -1 | Sociology Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Techniques of Data Collection

Data collection is a crucial practice in various fields, as it enables the investigation of various issues, decision-making, and understanding of potential solutions and outcomes. It is essential to gather data accurately using diverse data collection techniques to address problems and make well-informed assumptions. It is important to recognize that data collection is not limited to statistics but is applicable in numerous fields. For instance, in sociology, selecting an appropriate data collection method is necessary to arrive at any conclusions. Only after data is gathered can any theory be associated with it.

The methods of data collection assist an individual in deriving answers to specific questions. Once the data is collected, it is crucial to undergo the process of data organization. Data can be categorized into two types: primary data and secondary data. These types of data, along with their sub-classified methods, are explained below:

Primary data refers to the first-hand information collected directly from the source. Various methods can be employed to collect primary data, such as:

• Surveys and Questionnaires: This method involves gathering information from a sample of the population by asking them a series of questions. Surveys can be conducted in-person, over the phone, or online.
• Interviews: This technique entails conducting one-on-one or group discussions with individuals to collect detailed information about their opinions, experiences, or knowledge on a particular topic.
• Observations: This method involves the researcher observing and recording information about a particular phenomenon or behavior without directly interacting with the subjects.
• Experiments: Experimental methods involve manipulating one or more variables to determine their effect on a particular outcome. This method is commonly used in scientific research to establish causal relationships between variables.

Secondary data, on the other hand, refers to information that has already been collected and is available for use. Researchers can use secondary data to supplement their primary data or to conduct a literature review. Some sources of secondary data include:

• Government publications: Reports, census data, and official statistics published by government agencies provide valuable information on various aspects of society.
• Academic publications: Research articles, books, and conference papers published by scholars and researchers can provide insights into existing theories, methodologies, and findings in a particular field.
• Media sources: Newspapers, magazines, and online news websites can provide information on current events, opinions, and public sentiment on various issues.
• Organizational records: Companies and organizations often maintain records of their operations, such as sales data, financial reports, and employee records, which can be useful for research purposes.

Primary Data Collection Methods

Primary data, also known as raw data, refers to information obtained directly from its original source. This type of data is gathered through methods such as observations, surveys, and experiments. Primary data collection can be divided into two categories: quantitative and qualitative methods. 

• Quantitative Primary Data Collection Methods: Quantitative data collection is based on numerical or mathematical calculations, utilizing techniques such as regression analysis (mean, median, mode), closed-ended questions, or correlation. This method is typically faster to complete and more cost-effective compared to qualitative data collection methods.
• Qualitative Primary Data Collection Methods: In contrast, qualitative data collection does not rely on mathematical calculations. Instead, it involves methods such as interviews, case studies, observations, and questionnaires. These techniques are used to gather in-depth information about a particular subject, often providing richer and more nuanced insights than quantitative methods.

Secondary Data Collection Methods

Secondary data collection methods refer to the process of gathering information that has already been collected by someone other than the researcher. This type of data is not considered raw data since it does not come from its primary source. Instead, secondary data is pre-existing information that has been analyzed by someone for their research. Common sources of secondary data include books, journals, newspapers, and other publications. Secondary data can be classified into two categories: published and unpublished data.

•  Published data includes sources such as public records, business documents, historical writings, trade or technical journals, and government publications. 
• Unpublished data, on the other hand, consists of materials like diaries, personal letters, unpublished biographies, and more.

Research Methods

In social research, the systematic and scientific approach is essential. Guesswork, intuition, and common sense have their roles in sociological research, but they cannot produce reliable evidence on their own. To obtain reliable evidence, researchers must follow a research methodology, which is a system of rules, principles, and procedures that guide scientific investigation. Sociologists are interested in understanding the social world and the reasons behind various phenomena. Research methodology provides guidelines for collecting evidence about these occurrences and explaining their causes. These findings can then be checked and verified by other researchers.

Sociologists use various research methods and techniques to gather and analyze data about theories or new phenomena. The four most common research methods used in sociology today include:
(i) Observation, 
(ii) Questionnaire, 
(iii) Interview, and 
(iv) The Social Survey Method. 
Each method has its advantages and drawbacks, and the success of a research project largely depends on the researcher's selection of an appropriate method.

Observation

Observation is a crucial research method used in social sciences, which helps in overcoming difficulties that may arise during the data-collection process using interviews. By combining observation with interviewing or relying solely on observation, researchers can gather more accurate and reliable data. Observation is essential for any scientific inquiry as it is the starting point and the ultimate validation of research findings. The technique of observation can be primitive or modern and can take various forms, ranging from casual uncontrolled experiences to precise laboratory experiments.

• Observation can be defined as the systematic, direct, and deliberate examination of phenomena under study using our cognitive abilities. It involves an intensive examination of a particular group, event, or social process without influencing the outcomes. The main aim of an observational study is to provide an accurate description and analysis of the occurrences in their natural settings.
• The selection of a specific aspect for study is determined by the nature, scope, and objectives of the inquiry. A formulated hypothesis usually guides the immediate observation. For instance, if we are studying juvenile delinquency and hypothesize that broken homes and careless childrearing cause it, we would focus our observation on broken homes to test this hypothesis. If our observation requires rejecting the hypothesis, we would replace it with a new one.
• Observation and experimentation are two techniques used in scientific research across various disciplines. Both techniques aim to identify cause-and-effect relationships in the phenomena under study, but their procedures vary according to the material being examined. Observational studies are similar to experiments, except that in an experiment, the researcher arranges certain conditions to observe the outcomes, while in an observational study, the researcher observes occurrences that happen naturally or have already happened. Both methods rely on systematic observation under controlled conditions to identify verifiable sequences and relationships.
• Observational studies can be conducted in the laboratory or the field. In a laboratory setting, a researcher might bring together a group of subjects and present them with a problem to observe the processes of decision-making and leadership emergence. The researcher may use instruments like tape recorders and cameras to record the interactions. In field observation, the researcher studies events without attempting to structure the observation conditions. Most observational studies take place in the field.

There are three broad types of observation:

1. Non-Controlled, Participant Observation: In this type, the researcher actively participates in the group or situation under study without controlling the variables.
2. Non-Controlled, Non-Participant Observation: The researcher observes the group or situation without participating or controlling the variables.
3. Systematic Controlled Observation: This type involves a structured and controlled observation process, where the researcher manipulates certain variables to study their effects on the phenomena.

Non-Controlled Participant Observation

The participant observation approach is used when a researcher can effectively disguise themselves as a member of the group being studied. The extent of the observer's participation depends on the nature of the study and the practical demands of the situation. The observer must closely identify with the group being studied, as the subject matter is often new and requires extensive analysis.

• In participant observation, the sociologist may not need to carry out the same activities as other group members, but should find a role within the group that does not disrupt usual behavior patterns. The level of participation in this method can vary from full membership to part-time membership in the group.
• When group members are unaware of the researcher's purpose, their behavior is less likely to be affected, allowing for the recording of the group's natural behavior. The observer can access information that might not be easily obtained by merely observing from a distance.

Examples of Participant Observational Studies:

• William Whyte (1943) conducted a participant observation study in an Italian slum neighborhood in Boston. Whyte learned the Italian language and participated in various activities with the gang, such as gambling and drinking. The gang knew Whyte as someone writing a book. His study showed that the slum community was highly organized, contrary to previous assumptions.
• Erving Goffman (1961), an American social psychologist, spent several months as an observer in a mental hospital. His descriptions reveal how the asylum's organization systematically depersonalizes patients and may even exacerbate their problems.
• Leo Festinger (1966) and his associates studied an exclusive cult that believed the world would end on a specific day. They participated in meetings by pretending to be believers.

Challenges and Limitations of Participant Observation:

Challenges:

• Protecting the identities of informants
• Maintaining systematic notes and memory
• Avoiding influencing the behavior being observed
• Gaining access to the group and winning members' trust
• Relying on the observer's skills and subjective interpretations

Limitations and Disadvantages:

• Lack of control over events and difficulty in systematic observation
• Limited number of subjects that can be observed
• Potential for emotional involvement and loss of objectivity
• Overgeneralization of findings
• Sacrificing scientific precision
• Difficulty in generalizing findings to other similar cases
• Requirement of shared cultural background with the subjects
• Observer's role being influenced by personal factors (age, sex, caste, etc.)
• Ethical concerns related to deception and potential harm to the subjects
• Limitations of the eyewitness account

Relative Merits of Participant Observation:

• Possibility of observing natural group behavior
• Gathering more and higher-quality information
• Gaining better insights into the phenomena being studied
• Observing secret behaviors
• Greater dependability of first-hand data

Non-Controlled Non-Participant Observation

• Non-participant observation is a challenging research method where the observer does not actively engage in the activities of the group being studied. This method often creates an awkward situation, as there is no established role for a non-member who is always present but never participating. This discomfort can be felt by both the group under observation and the researcher.
• In certain situations, it is not feasible for the researcher to become an active participant in the group. For instance, a sociologist studying a criminal gang cannot become a criminal themselves, nor can they truly become a part of the gang. However, it is possible for the observer to participate in some of the group's activities to minimize the uneasiness of complete non-participation. This approach has been a common practice in social research, such as Leplay's study of European working families a century ago, where investigators lived as members of the family and engaged in community activities, while still maintaining their objective of gathering information.
• Non-participant observation is often a mix of participation and non-participation, making it crucial for the observer to have a well-thought-out plan for entering the group. A skilled observer can establish a good rapport with group members, even as a stranger. By being less emotionally involved in the social situation, the observer may provide an environment where group members feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics that they might not discuss with their peers. Additionally, the observer's attentive listening and eagerness to learn can further build trust with the group members.

In summary, non-participant observation is a complex research method where the observer does not fully engage in the activities of the group being studied. This approach requires careful planning, good observational skills, and the ability to establish a trusting relationship with the group members. From a UPSC exam perspective, understanding the nuances of non-participant observation and its challenges can help in crafting well-informed answers related to social research methods.

Merits and Demerits of Non-Participant Observation

Pros

• A significant advantage of non-participant observation is the higher level of objectivity it offers for the observer. This approach allows the observer to remain emotionally detached from the event, reducing the risk of personal biases influencing the data collected.
• By adopting an open-minded stance, the observer can gather a more extensive range of information, as they are not constrained by preconceived notions or expectations.
• Since the observer is considered an outsider, the individuals being observed may feel more at ease and act more naturally, leading to more authentic data collection.

Cons

• Non-participant observation may have limited applicability, as it is primarily suited for formal settings and organizations. Consequently, it may not provide comprehensive insights into various aspects of social life that are integral to understanding human behavior.
• The outsider status of the observer can be a double-edged sword, as it may hinder their ability to fully comprehend the behaviors and motivations of the individuals being observed. This lack of complete understanding might result in the observer missing out on critical nuances and context that could significantly impact the analysis and interpretation of the data collected.

Systematic Controlled Observation

• Systematic controlled observation is a research method in which the observer aims to systematize the process of observation without limiting the activities of the individuals being observed. This method is particularly useful in exploratory studies. To achieve this, the observer utilizes carefully designed schedules, questionnaires, and improved observation techniques. They also make efforts to control their own biases, selective perception, and the limitations of their senses. Standardized instruments like cameras, tape recorders, maps, and sociometric scales are used to enhance the accuracy and precision of the collected data.
• In systematic controlled observation, the sociologist often takes on a role similar to that of a zoologist, psychologist, or astronomer who studies animals or objects in their natural environment. Due to the difficulty in controlling the objects being studied, the observer must instead apply self-control to limit biases and ensure the validity of their work, making it less vulnerable to criticism.
• Controlled observation can also be applied to situations where the subjects are aware that they are being observed. In these cases, systematic observation aims to minimize the bias of the individual observer by making the subjects feel as if the situation is natural. This is achieved through the use of controls on both the observer and the observed, such as mechanical devices like films, photographs, and recordings. By applying these controls, the observer can ensure a higher level of accuracy and reliability in their research findings.

Merits and Limitations of Observation

Pros of Observation

• Observation, whether of the participant or non-participant variety, offers unique advantages. As Robertson highlights, observational studies engage with real-life situations, providing insights that might be overlooked through years of experimentation and surveying.
• A significant benefit of observational research is that it involves directly observing a subject's behavior, rather than relying on second-hand observations or reports, as is the case with surveys or analyses of existing sources. Moreover, observational techniques are superior in capturing information about non-verbal behavior.
• Observational methods allow researchers to study subjects in their natural environments, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the subject's behavior over time, rather than just a snapshot, as with surveys.
• Although there is a risk of an observer becoming too absorbed in the group they are studying, it can also be a strength. As Peter Worsley notes, "the unique strength of participant observation demands not complete detachment, but the involvement of the research worker in the lives of the people he is studying... This gives him a deeper insight into the behavior of the people he is studying."

Cons of Observation

• One drawback of observation is that the data collected may not always be quantifiable, making it difficult to analyze and compare with other data.
• Observation is primarily focused on studying events as they occur, limiting its effectiveness to the duration of the event. As a result, observational studies are constrained by the timing and duration of events, which may not always align with the observer's convenience.
• Observation is not always suitable for studying private or secretive behaviors. For instance, observing the criminal activities of a seemingly respectable individual can be challenging.
• There is no guarantee that an observer will approach a phenomenon impartially and without prejudice, leading to the potential for bias, including hidden biases, in the research findings.

Questionnaire 

• Questionnaires and schedules play a significant role in collecting diverse data in various fields. They are commonly used to gather information on personal preferences, social beliefs, attitudes, opinions, behavior patterns, group practices, and habits. The growing utilization of schedules and questionnaires is likely due to the increased focus on quantitative measurement and uniformly accumulated data by social scientists.
• A questionnaire serves as an instrument for data collection, comprising a series of questions arranged in a specific order on a form or set of forms. It can be administered personally or via mail, allowing the respondent to answer the questions independently without assistance.
• Questionnaires have become a popular method of collecting data, especially when gathering information from a large number of individuals spread across vast areas. They can be employed both as an independent and separate method of data collection, as well as a supplementary tool to verify data obtained through observation and personal interviews.
• A questionnaire can be defined as a means of obtaining information by having respondents provide answers to printed questions (Wallace and Wallace). Lundberg describes it as a set of stimuli to which literate individuals are exposed to observe their verbal behavior in response to these stimuli. Good and Hatte define a questionnaire as a tool that enables respondents to provide answers to questions by filling in a form themselves.

Questionnaire, Schedule and the Interview Guide

• A questionnaire is a tool used to gather data from a large, diverse, and geographically dispersed group of people. Typically, the questionnaire is sent through the mail to respondents who are asked to complete it according to the instructions provided in a cover letter, without any additional support from the sender. A questionnaire consists of a set of questions that respondents fill out themselves.
• On the other hand, a schedule or interview schedule is used by a researcher to collect information during a face-to-face interview. The format and content of a schedule are similar to those of a questionnaire, and it can be either structured or unstructured. The main difference between a questionnaire and a schedule is that the former is completed by the respondent independently, while the latter is filled out by the interviewer during the interview.
• An interview guide is a list of topics or points that the interviewer must cover during an interview. It allows for flexibility in the way questions are asked, their order, and the language used. This means that interviewers can ask follow-up questions or rephrase their inquiries to gain more meaningful information from the respondent. Interview guides are sometimes referred to as "unstructured questionnaires."

Ways of Obtaining Response through the Questionnaire Method

There are two primary methods to collect responses from participants through questionnaires:
(i) mailing the questionnaires to the selected individuals under study, or
(ii) directly asking the questions to them in an interview. 
The mailed questionnaire method has several advantages over interviews, such as cost-effectiveness, time-saving, and convenience for the respondents who can answer at their leisure. Additionally, respondents can be assured of their anonymity, reducing the chances of biased responses due to the presence of an interviewer. Furthermore, respondents have the opportunity to consult other sources before responding, which may provide more accurate answers. Lastly, mailed questionnaires enable easier access to people who are geographically distant, making this method a more practical choice for large-scale studies.

Types of Questionnaires

Questionnaires can be broadly classified into two categories:
(i) Structured Questionnaires, and
(ii) Unstructured Questionnaires.

(i) Structured Questionnaires
Structured questionnaires consist of predetermined questions that have been prepared in advance. These can be further divided into two types:

• Closed-Form or Poll Type or Selective Type Questionnaire, and
• Open-End or Inventive Type Questionnaire.

1. Closed-Form Questionnaire: In this type of questionnaire, multiple-choice answers are provided for each question, and the respondent is required to select one of them. This is also called Poll-Type or Selective-Type questionnaire, as the respondent must choose from the given options.
For example: "Where do you prefer to live in? (1) City, (2) Suburb, (3) Village?"

2. Open-End Type or Inventive Type: In this type, no predetermined answers are provided for the questions. The respondent is free to answer as they like, without any restrictions. This is also called “inventive type," as the respondent must think of or invent their own answer. Structured questionnaires are widely used in various research projects, including studies on economic or social problems, public opinion, administrative policies, cost of living, consumer expenditures, child welfare, public health, and many other topics.

(ii) Unstructured Questionnaires
Unstructured questionnaires, also known as interview guides, are more flexible and designed to obtain viewpoints, opinions, attitudes, and relationships between data that might be overlooked in more structured types of interrogation. The goal is to allow the respondent maximum opportunity to reveal their world of experience. Free responses are encouraged, without limitations or predetermined responses. This type of questionnaire is used for in-depth studies and is typically applied to a limited number of selected cases.

Construction of a Questionnaire

The effectiveness of a questionnaire as a tool for gathering information largely depends on its construction. The following aspects should be considered when preparing a questionnaire:

• Physical Format: The physical format should be visually appealing and generate interest from respondents.
• Question Content: Questions should be specific, unambiguous, and focus on a particular topic.
• Question Wording: The language and wording of the questions should be simple, direct, and unambiguous. Questions with dual meanings or ambiguous keywords should be avoided.
• Question Sequence: Questions should be arranged in a logical sequence.

Key Considerations in Creating and Using a Questionnaire

• Keep the length and scope of the questionnaire limited. Ideally, it should not take more than 30 minutes for the respondent to complete, especially during interviews.
• When both the interviewer and interviewee have extensive knowledge of the subject, avoid unnecessary questions to maintain focus on the central problem.
• The creator of the questionnaire should have a thorough understanding of the subject matter to formulate meaningful questions.
• Ensure that all essential questions related to the subject are included, and each item in the questionnaire is relevant to the central problem.
• Maintain a logical connection between questions, moving from simpler to more complex concepts.
• Avoid ambiguous, overly personal, and potentially embarrassing questions.
• Make sure to include all possible alternatives for a particular issue under study.
• Use simple and unambiguous language for the questions.
• Consider using Likert's Scale (or a Five Point Scale) for questions that cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." This scale provides five response options:
  (i) I strongly approve.
  (ii) I approve.
  (iii) I am undecided.
  (iv) I disapprove.
  (v) I strongly disapprove.
• Maintain unity and coherence in the structure of the questionnaire. Design questions that engage the respondent and progress from simpler to more complex concepts. Avoid asking for personal information and refrain from including embarrassing questions. Ensure that the questions move smoothly from one frame of reference to another without jumping back and forth.

Advantages and Limitation of Questionnaire

Advantages of Questionnaire

• Cost-effective and wide coverage: Questionnaires are an economical method of collecting data, enabling researchers to gather information from a large number of people spread across a vast geographical area.
• Time-saving: This method saves time as researchers can approach respondents through mailed questionnaires instead of conducting personal interviews. Furthermore, data analysis and interpretation can be completed quickly.
• Ensures anonymity: Questionnaires provide respondents with a sense of anonymity, allowing them to express their views and opinions more freely.
• Appropriate for sensitive topics: When collecting information about personal or private matters, such as relationships or sexual habits, questionnaires are more suitable due to the anonymity they provide.
• Reduced emotional pressure on respondents: Questionnaires afford respondents the leisure time to answer questions in a relaxed mood, without the pressure that may be experienced during an interview.
• Easy data processing and analysis: Uniformity of responses in questionnaires facilitates the standardization of the recording procedure, making data processing and analysis faster and simpler.

Limitations of Questionnaire

• Inapplicable for illiterate and uneducated respondents: Questionnaires cannot be administered to individuals who are illiterate or uneducated.
• Unsuitable for spontaneous answers: If immediate or spontaneous responses are required, questionnaires may not be the most appropriate method.
• Difficulty in addressing misinterpretations: There is no way to clarify or address misinterpretations and unclear replies from respondents when using questionnaires.
• Low response rates: The return rate for mailed questionnaires can be very low, sometimes as low as 10%, which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation being studied.
• Lack of flexibility: Despite their advantages, questionnaires do not offer the same level of flexibility as interviews. They often have lower response rates, as it is easier for respondents to ignore them. Moreover, questionnaires only allow for the measurement of verbal behavior, without the opportunity for the researcher to make observations. In addition, respondents may choose to skip questions in mailed questionnaires, further limiting the data collected.

Interview: A Method of Collecting Data in Social Research

Interviewing is a crucial method of data collection in social research. It involves a structured conversation between an interviewer and an interviewee, with the main objective being to gather information, opinions, and attitudes about a specific topic or issue. Interviews can be conducted face-to-face, over the phone, or via other communication platforms.

Definition of Interview

1. According to Young, an interview is an interactional process, implying that it involves more than just a simple exchange of words.
2.  Gopal defines an interview as a conversation with a purpose, which goes beyond a mere oral exchange of information.
3. In general, an interview can be described as a face-to-face verbal interchange, where the interviewer attempts to elicit information or opinions from the interviewee regarding a particular issue.

Distinctive Features of an Interview

• Not Just Conversation: Interviews are not simple two-way conversations. They involve the interpretation of gestures, facial expressions, pauses, and other non-verbal cues to understand the interviewee's feelings and attitudes.
• Complex Interaction: Interviews involve a complex interaction between the interviewer and interviewee. A skilled interviewer can pick up on subtle changes in facial expressions, muscle tension, eye movement, speech patterns, and word choice to better understand the interviewee's perspective.
•  Balance of Revelation and Withholding: Every interview has a balance between the revelation of information and the withholding of information. The interviewer's aim is to get as much accurate and relevant information as possible.

Major Objectives of the Interview

• Understanding the Interviewee's Perspective: The main objective of an interview is to understand the interviewee's opinions, attitudes, and feelings about a particular topic or issue.
• Exchange of Ideas and Experiences: Interviews can be used to exchange ideas and experiences between the interviewer and interviewee, providing valuable insights into various aspects of the subject matter.
• Eliciting Information: Interviews can help gather a wide range of data by encouraging the interviewee to recall past experiences, interpret their present situation, and discuss future possibilities.

The Process of Interview

1. Introduction: The interviewer should introduce themselves to the interviewee politely and establish rapport.
2. Explaining the Purpose: The interviewer should clearly explain the nature and purpose of the interview to alleviate any anxiety or tension.
3. Asking Questions: The interviewer should start with serious questions and then engage the interviewee in a more relaxed conversation.
4. Assisting and Prompting: The interviewer may need to assist the interviewee in providing information or prompt them when necessary.
5. Systematic Questioning: Questions should be asked in a systematic and clear manner.
6. Encouraging Free Expression: The interviewer should encourage the interviewee to speak freely and make notes during brief pauses.
7. Ending the Interview: The interview should not be closed abruptly or suddenly.
8. Writing the Report: The interviewer should carefully write the report, including observations about the interviewee's feelings, emotions, facial expressions, and gestures.

Conclusion

Data collection is a critical aspect of research in various fields, helping to investigate issues, make informed decisions, and understand potential solutions. Primary and secondary data collection methods, such as surveys, interviews, observations, and experiments, allow researchers to gather accurate and reliable data. It is essential to select appropriate data collection techniques based on the research objectives and context. While primary data provides firsthand information, secondary data offers pre-existing insights from various sources. Both quantitative and qualitative primary data collection methods offer different benefits and limitations, depending on the research goals. Through a systematic and scientific approach, researchers can utilize various techniques like questionnaires, interviews, and observations to gather valuable information and enhance the validity and reliability of their findings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of Methods And Techniques of Social Research

What are the primary methods of data collection in social research?

The primary methods of data collection in social research include surveys, questionnaires, interviews, observations, and experiments. These methods help researchers gather first-hand information directly from the source.

What are the advantages and limitations of using questionnaires in social research?

Questionnaires offer advantages such as cost-effectiveness, time-saving, convenience for respondents, anonymity, and easier access to geographically distant people. However, limitations include their inapplicability for illiterate and uneducated respondents, unsuitability for spontaneous answers, difficulty in addressing misinterpretations, low response rates, and lack of flexibility.

How do structured and unstructured questionnaires differ?

Structured questionnaires consist of predetermined questions and can be either closed-form (multiple-choice) or open-end (free response). Unstructured questionnaires, also known as interview guides, are more flexible and designed to obtain viewpoints, opinions, attitudes, and relationships between data without predetermined responses.

What are the main objectives of an interview in social research?

The main objectives of an interview in social research are to understand the interviewee's perspective, exchange ideas and experiences, and elicit relevant information about a particular topic or issue.

What are the key steps involved in the interview process?

The key steps involved in the interview process include the introduction of the interviewer to the interviewee, explaining the purpose of the interview, and asking questions to gather information and understand the interviewee's perspective on the topic or issue being discussed.