What characterizes unstructured interviews?

Unstructured interviews are characterized by having basic areas for discussion while allowing the interviewer and interviewee the freedom to explore various topics in a conversational manner. This format provides flexibility, enabling the interviewer to adapt questions based on the responses given by the participant, which can lead to richer, more nuanced data.

This approach encourages participants to express their thoughts and feelings in their own words, allowing for a deeper exploration of the subject matter. The aim is to gain insights into the participants' perspectives rather than to test them against a predetermined set of responses. In this free-flowing conversation, the interviewer can pursue interesting points that arise, creating opportunities for exploration that wouldn't arise in a more structured format.