Theories of Structured and Semi-Structured Interviews - Literature review Example

Theories of structured and semi-structured interviews Quantitative research refers to research that describes phenomena in numbers and measures, instead of words, on other hand; qualitative research refers to research that describes the phenomena in terms of words instead of numbers or measures (Krathwohl, 1993). According to Wiersma (2000) he clarifies that basing on the way data are presented, qualitative research relies heavily on narrative description, while quantitative research on statistical results. Therefore, structured and semi-structure interviews are the techniques of gathering information for qualitative analysis. The interview has become regarded as an important tool in scientific research and thus features as an important method in many fields, including medicine, journalism, business administration, and educational research (Melhem, 2002). The interview may be regarded as a particularly powerful tool for collecting data about human resources, since it represents a conversation between the interviewer and the interviewee. In the interview, the researcher asks a set of questions while the interviewee answers those questions. Therefore, the interview is the best known strategy for gathering data in qualitative research in order to obtain data about an issue or a certain phenomenon (Melhem, 2002). However, one of its particular strengths in this respect is that it can be used to gather information that is already meaningful. Interviews are a data collection method that involves talking and listening to individuals systematically through a conversation. The researcher collects data from the interviewees by use of open ended questions that are formulated prior to the interview date. In an interview, the view and opinions of the researcher are insignificant as the results are basically determined by the interviewees. These results are referred to as primary data. In addition to being a source of primary data, interviews enable the researcher to gain adequate knowledge concerning the topic under investigation. In actual fact, interviews are sometimes defines as an interchange of opinions between two or more people concerning a given topic and are intended to mutually benefit both parties. There are four commonly used interviews which include structured, unstructured, semi-structured and non-directive interviews. This paper will focus on use of structured and semi-structured interviews to investigate the select topic. Structured interviews are also known as standardized interviews and they are basically interviews where all respondents are asked the same questions. Corbetta (2003) defines structured interviews as interviews in which the questions asked to all respondents contain the same wording and they follow the same sequence. This then implies that all respondents receive similar interview stimulus and the main goal of such interviews is obtain results that can be aggregated. The main strength of structured interviews is that the researcher has substantial control over the entire process since it utilizes a detailed interview guide. Consequently, it provides a systematic and common format which facilitates the easy flow of the processes of analysis, coding and data comparison. David and Sutton (2004) suggest that another advantage of using structured interviews is that the researcher is able to record certain responses such as facial expressions, gestures and non-verbal cues which would be impossible using other data collection methods. Semi-structured interviews on the other hand are non-standardized and they are commonly used in qualitative analysis. Daniel and Turner (2010) state that objective of the researcher is not to test a specific hypothesis but instead he has a list of issues, questions and themes that he intends to cover by the end of the research. Questions are not necessarily in a given order and they vary depending on the nature of the interview. Like in structured interviews, an interview guide is used but the interview many add or subtract some questions if need arises. There are many theories that explain structured and semi-structured interview processes. Glaser and Strauss (1967) state that although the grounded theory is most relevant in unstructured interviews, semi-structured interviews are also appropriate due to the subjective theory possessed by individuals in the sample. According to Flicks (2002), the subjective theory is the concept in which all the interviewees have a complex and varied wealth of knowledge concerning the topic under study. Use of semi-structured interviews enables interviewees bring out this complex wealth of knowledge while at the same time maintaining the focus of the study. The researcher is able to achieve this by probing questions that will enable him to understand pertinent issues and concerns relative to the topic. Presenting open-ended questions to the participants gives them the chance to fully express their views in response. Complex knowledge is also acquired in other expressions other than words such as emotional sense, body language, tone, enunciation, and concerns. This further explains the subjective theory in semi-structured interviews. The grounded theory that was first presented by Strauss and Glaser in 1967 also provides a strong justification for developing theoretical analysis by use of qualitative research. The Grounded Theory Method was later redefined by Strauss and Corbin in 1990 who described it as a qualitative research method that is used to obtain results using a systematic set of procedures. They further describe the Grounded Theory Method as an analytical method which focuses on analysis based on data that has been correctly gathered and thereafter arriving at inductive conclusions from the data. Corbetta (2003) argues that the issues underpinned in this theory include methodological guideline such as data comparison, coding and theoretical sampling. Studies in Grounded theory requires the researchers to have technical awareness and knowledge of alternative paradigms in research methods in addition to creative imagination that is formed from professional and personal experience. Patton (2000) state that the good theory is produced through the interaction between these skills gotten from training and creativeness. This theory provides the most comprehensive, simplest and coherent model linking unrelated and diverse facts in a pragmatic and useful way. The grounded theory satisfies and represents four central criteria: Fit, generality, understanding and control. Literature review Abortion is defined as the removal as well as expulsion of an embryo or rather a fetus from the uterus which can result to death. It can further be defined as an induced procedure during human pregnancy. Through history, it is quite evident that abortion has been induced in several methods therefore creating an intense subject on the morality as well as the legality of abortion. Information regarding attitude of university students towards abortion is important for planning as well as evaluating social programs. It is well known that the attitude of university students towards abortion is strongly influences by various factors namely; gender, marital status, age and religion. There are various medical terms that are used to defined abortion. Spontaneous abortion also known as miscarriage is the sudden expulsion of a pregnancy. Induced abortion is brought about by interference either by elective and therapeutic abortion as a result of a deliberate human action. The other abortion term is where an abortion is performed to save the life of a mother. Finally, elective abortion is where a mother agrees to perform an abortion at will. Islam is considered to be among the renowned religions across the globe and one that have great influences in various issues. The holy Qur’an is a vital source for Islamic jurisprudence does not extensively mention abortion. The Qur’an explains the stages involved in creation of a human. Different Muslims are perceived to have different attitude towards abortion. Some believe that abortion is forbidden and should not be allowed at any given time while other believes that abortion can be performed in certain circumstances. If abortion has to take place in Muslim society it must be on a 120 days pregnancy since it is argued within the 120 days the fetus have not received a soul. Purpose of the Study The world wide legal status of abortion widely ranges from elective procedures to complete prohibition at the request of a mother. In the wake of social-economic development, environmental concerns, growing awareness of population and recognition of the right of women with main focus on mothers to largely control their fertility largely aided by technology, abortion is continuing to range debates in medical, educational, legal, political and theological field (Jones et al 2004). It is for this reasons that the purpose of this study is to; To examine the general attitudes and behavior of British Muslims in Blackburn towards abortion To assess whether age and being a male British Muslim influences attitudes towards abortion. Research Questions To what extent does age and being a male British Muslim influence attitudes towards abortion in Blackburn? What are the general attitude and behaviors of British Muslims in Blackburn towards abortion? Results and discussion of structured interviews Structured interviews are used to collected data for quantitative analysis while semi-structured is used for qualitative analysis where the interviewer and the interviewee engage in a formal communication. There was structured interviews carried out on two respondents who were selected randomly where questionnaires were used to collect data where respondents were given an opportunity to respond to questions with already structured answers where they were to tick most suitable answers. In coding the answers were grouped as either yes (1) for definitely yes and yes answers while no (3) for no and definitely no answers and neutral (2) for the scales in the questionnaires. In interview, the researcher wrote down the responses of the interviewee with more questions driving from the responses of the respondents. There were 20 respondents for the structured interview where there were 50% for the age less than 30 and the age above 30%. The respondents foe each question is represented in the tables in appendix section b. the results shows how many respondent were of a given opinion in a given question with the total percentage. The question is which of the two methods is better and should be adapted for this research. In this context, Biddle and Anderson (1986) contend that the quantitative (questionnaires) and qualitative (interviews) methods of research are complimentary and a combination of the two gives a more complete picture of the phenomena that are being studied. Moreover, Brophy & Alleman ( 1991,p24 ) stated that using mixed methods is an advantageous merit as it includes the ability to answer questions other methodologies cannot, provide better inferences and provide the opportunity for presenting a greater diversity of divergent views. In this research questionnaires is best suited for collecting data from a large sample population where data can easily grouped and analyzed. On other hand interviews are best suited to cases where more information is to be gathered and have personal interaction with the respondent. This can be used where the researcher needs to have more insight on the subject. The interviews conducted in this research demonstrates that more items that otherwise could not be covered in questionnaires were covered. Results of the data collected Semi-structure interviews The first interview was with a British Muslim under the age of 30 year. The respondent felt that abortion is not right but can be allowed under special circumstances such as health risks to the mother. The respondent a British Muslim over 30 years felt that abortion is wrong and “It should never be allowed” the responded added. The second responded seems to draw most of the principles from the religion which are clear about sex before marriage and abortion which is termed as ‘killing innocent one’ where no exceptions should allow abortion. Religion according the second responded (appendix section d, interview script 2) is against abortion the Qur’an suggests that abortion is forbidden indicating that the holy book gives high priority to the sanctity defined in human life (David & Sutton 2004) therefore it should not allowed even if someone was raped. This interview gave the research insight of the respondents and have an opportunity to know the reasons for given responses from the interview. Structured interview The results for structured interview from 20 respondents who were selected randomly. Using SPSS the descriptive statistics were generated which show the response for each question (appendix section b). there were 50% of the respondents who condemn abortion while 20% were neutral and 10% of the respondents do not condemn abortion. 40% of the respondents believe there is no justification for abortion while those who thought otherwise had the same percentage(40%) while 20 were not sure hence neutral. On child birth outside marriage 45% agreed that its better than abortion while 35% did not agree 20% were neutral. If someone could marry a lady I love even if she has had an abortion 30% said yes while 45% said no hence many respondents do not want to marry women who have had abortion. 25% of the respondents feel that British Muslim people are justified when they condemn those who support abortion while 40% did not agree to this view while 35% were neutral Conclusion From the analysis Muslims regardless of their age do not tolerate abortion which strong understanding of the Holy book and God’s plan for humanity. Life is treated as a gift from God hence sacred and it’s only God who can give and take. Other respondents felt that exceptions should be considered for instance, I someone had been raped or the life of the other is at risk it should be allowed. Other Muslim respondent argues that they should leave God to intervene hence no exceptions. Both semi-structured and structured interviews are important and appropriate because they help one methodology to overcome the weakness of the other. Semi-structured gives the researcher an opportunity to know the reasons the respondents had a given view. They can also clarify their responses or ask for clarity on questions they do not understand. Structured questions are important because it saves time where respondents have already structured answers where they tick. The researcher does not have to restructure the answers from the respondents. References Bourke, S. (2005) Quantitative Research Methodology. Teaching Materials, the University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia. Burns, R. (1994). Introduction to Research Methods. Melbourne: Longman. Christian., G. 1999, Their right to live: case against legalized abortion, UK law Press, pp. 1-2. Corbetta, P. 2003, Social Research Theory, Methods and Techniques. London: SAGE Publications. Daniel, W. and Turner, III, 2010, Qualitative interview design: A practical guide for novice investigator. The qualitative report, Volume 15, Issue 3, p. 754-760. David, H. 2003, Abortion policies. In E.S Hodgon (2001) Abortion and sterilization, medical and social aspect: Academic press, Grune and Staton, London. David, M. & Sutton C. 2004, Social Research the Basics. London: SAGE Publications. David, M. & Sutton, C. 2004, Social Research the Basics. London: SAGE Publications. Gillham, B. 2000, The Research Interview. New York: Continuum. Glaser, B. & Strauss, A. 1967, The Discovery of Grounded Theory: Strategies for Qualitative Research. Chicago: Aldine. Gray, D. 2004, Doing Research in the Real World. London: SAGE Publications. Jones, K,. & Sheinberg, I., and Byer, S. 2004, Dimension a changing concept of health San, Francisco: Canfield Press Kajornboon, A. 2004, Creating Useful Knowledge: A Case Study of Policy Development in E-learning at Chulalongkorn University Language Institute. Dissertation. University of Melbourne: Australia. Krathwohl, D.R. (1993). Methods of educational and social science research: An integrated approach. New York: Longman. Martin,. E. 2002, Comparing attitude of students towards issues in human sexuality. Int. Digest of Health Legislation, 40: 245-252. Minichiello, V. (1995). In-depth Interviewing: Principles, techniques, analysis. Melbourne: Longman. Moore,. E. 2004, International inventory information and induced abortion. New York, International Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction Columbia University. Mules, S. 2001, The role of physician in post abortion family planning, Medical Practice, 32(516): 63-65. Patton, M. 2000, Qualitative Research and Evaluation Method. London: SAGE Publications. Potts M,. Diggory P and Peels, J. 2007, Abortion, Cambridge: University Press Cambridge, pp. 12-16. Raphael, B. 2001, Pattern of Induced Abortion, In Kenya and Selected other African Countries P.A.. H.O. Scientific Publication Washington D.C., p. 306. Roche,. N. 2004, Attitudes of American teenagers towards abortion. Family Planning Perspective, 7(3): 89-91. Wiersma, W. (2000). Research Methods in Education. Boston: Allyn & Bacon. Appendix Section A questionnaires Age group: (A) ≤ 30 years [ ] (B) ≥ 31 years [ ] Instruction: Please circle the best number to describe your view 1) I condemn abortion Definitely Yes Yes Neutral No Definitely No 1 2 3 4 5 2) There is no justification for abortion. Definitely Yes Yes Neutral No Definitely No 1 2 3 4 5 3) Giving birth to a child outside of marriage is better than abortion. Definitely Yes Yes Neutral No Definitely No 1 2 3 4 5 4) I can marry a lady I love even if she has had an abortion. Definitely Yes Yes Neutral No Definitely No 1 2 3 4 5 5) I would consider an abortion if a close relative was raped. Definitely Yes Yes Neutral No Definitely No 1 2 3 4 5 6) Unmarried women can abort. Definitely Yes Yes Neutral No Definitely No 1 2 3 4 5 7) I would look down on a woman who has had an abortion. Definitely Yes Yes Neutral No Definitely No 1 2 3 4 5 8) The fact that abortion is legal in the UK contributes to erosion of moral values. Definitely Yes Yes Neutral No Definitely No 1 2 3 4 5 9) Non-Muslim British women influence Muslim British women’s intention to abort Definitely Yes Yes Neutral No Definitely No 1 2 3 4 5 10) Bareness as a result of abortion is a punishment from God. Definitely Yes Yes Neutral No Definitely No 1 2 3 4 5 11) I am not concerned if a British non-Muslim aborted. Definitely Yes Yes Neutral No Definitely No 1 2 3 4 5 12) If a British Non-Muslim supported abortion, it would not affect my view of him/her. Definitely Yes Yes Neutral No Definitely No 1 2 3 4 5 13) Would you associate with a non-Muslim British friend if they had an abortion? Yes No 14) Should the government implement stern laws against forced abortion? Yes No 15) Do you think British Muslim people are justified when they condemn those who support abortion ? Yes No Section b responses and analysis Analysis of questionnaires The analysis was done using SPSS after having collecting data using questions in appendix A. there were 20 respondent who respondent to the questionnaire. age of respondents Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent Valid less or equals to 30 year 10 50.0 50.0 50.0 greater than 30 year 10 50.0 50.0 100.0 Total 20 100.0 100.0 I condemn abortion Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent Valid Yes 10 50.0 50.0 50.0 Neutral 8 40.0 40.0 90.0 No 2 10.0 10.0 100.0 Total 20 100.0 100.0 There is no justification for abortion Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent Valid Yes 8 40.0 40.0 40.0 Neutral 4 20.0 20.0 60.0 No 8 40.0 40.0 100.0 Total 20 100.0 100.0 Giving birth to a child outside of marriage is better than abortion Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent Valid Yes 9 45.0 45.0 45.0 Neutral 4 20.0 20.0 65.0 No 7 35.0 35.0 100.0 Total 20 100.0 100.0 I can marry a lady I love even if she has had an abortion Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent Valid Yes 6 30.0 30.0 30.0 Neutral 5 25.0 25.0 55.0 No 9 45.0 45.0 100.0 Total 20 100.0 100.0 I would consider an abortion if a close relative was raped Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent Valid Yes 9 45.0 45.0 45.0 Neutral 2 10.0 10.0 55.0 No 9 45.0 45.0 100.0 Total 20 100.0 100.0 Unmarried women can abort Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent Valid Yes 8 40.0 40.0 40.0 Neutral 7 35.0 35.0 75.0 No 5 25.0 25.0 100.0 Total 20 100.0 100.0 I would look down on a woman who has had an abortion Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent Valid Yes 10 50.0 50.0 50.0 Neutral 3 15.0 15.0 65.0 No 7 35.0 35.0 100.0 Total 20 100.0 100.0 The fact that abortion is legal in the UK contributes to erosion of moral values Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent Valid Yes 8 40.0 40.0 40.0 Neutral 3 15.0 15.0 55.0 No 9 45.0 45.0 100.0 Total 20 100.0 100.0 Non-Muslim British women influence Muslim British women’s intention to abort Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent Valid Yes 9 45.0 45.0 45.0 Neutral 4 20.0 20.0 65.0 No 7 35.0 35.0 100.0 Total 20 100.0 100.0 Bareness as a result of abortion is a punishment from God Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent Valid Yes 11 55.0 55.0 55.0 Neutral 3 15.0 15.0 70.0 No 6 30.0 30.0 100.0 Total 20 100.0 100.0 I am not concerned if a British non-Muslim aborted Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent Valid Yes 11 55.0 55.0 55.0 Neutral 4 20.0 20.0 75.0 No 5 25.0 25.0 100.0 Total 20 100.0 100.0 If a British Non-Muslim supported abortion, it would not affect my view of him/her. Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent Valid Yes 9 45.0 45.0 45.0 Neutral 5 25.0 25.0 70.0 No 6 30.0 30.0 100.0 Total 20 100.0 100.0 associate with a non-Muslim British friend if they had an abortion Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent Valid Yes 9 45.0 45.0 45.0 Neutral 5 25.0 25.0 70.0 No 6 30.0 30.0 100.0 Total 20 100.0 100.0 government implement stern laws against forced abortion Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent Valid Yes 9 45.0 45.0 45.0 Neutral 5 25.0 25.0 70.0 No 6 30.0 30.0 100.0 Total 20 100.0 100.0 British Muslim people are justified when they condemn those who support abortion Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent Valid Yes 5 25.0 25.0 25.0 Neutral 7 35.0 35.0 60.0 No 8 40.0 40.0 100.0 Total 20 100.0 100.0 Section c Semi structured interview questions The attitudes of British Muslims in Blackburn (small town) towards abortion. Semi structured interview questions (basic) 1 What is your view about abortion? 2 What would be your view towards a woman who had an abortion as a result of an unwanted pregnancy? 3 Do you think there are any positive effects of abortion? 4 What is your attitude towards a person who has had an abortion or supports it? 5 Under what circumstances can married women be allowed to abort? 6 How does your religion influence your views on abortion? 7 What do you think about British non Muslims views on abortion? 8 How does legalization of abortion affect society? Section d interview results Interview script 1 – British Muslim – Under 30 years old Q1 - What is your view about abortion? In my view, I feel that when a woman has an abortion, she is taking the life of an innocent child. It is very selfish of the woman to have an abortion unless there are consequences if she does not have an abortion. What do you mean by consequences? What I mean is that, for example, if a woman who didn’t have an abortion would die, I think it is better for her to have an abortion than to let the child live and grow older without a mother. Q2 - What would be your view towards a woman who had an abortion as a result of an unwanted pregnancy? First of all a woman should not have an unwanted pregnancy. I believe that woman should only be having sexual relations if she is married and therefore if she is married, there would be no need for her to have an abortion. Is it necessary for a woman who is married to have children? What I mean is that people usually get married if they want to start a family, so what is the reason for getting married if you will not start a family. What if a woman was raped? For me, if a woman was raped I would still say abortion is wrong. But at the end of the day, the woman did nothing wrong so it is her choice. But according to Islam, abortion is wrong completely? Yes, that is true but what can the woman do if she was raped. It is likely that if a woman is not married and she gets raped, she will have an abortion so she does not bring shame on her family. Q3 - Do you think there are any positive effects of abortion? I think that abortion only has negative impacts on the lives of both the mother and the aborted child. This is because the mother may regret her decision in the future, and also the child was not given the chance to live its life. What do you mean by negative impacts? I mean that in the future she will maybe think that she should not have gone through with the abortion, and it will be emotionally difficult for her to go through a pregnancy – maybe – I don’t know as I will never experience it! Q4 - What is your attitude towards a person who has had an abortion or supports it? Even though I think that abortion is wrong, if a person decides to have an abortion then its their decision at the end of the day, so I will not have a bad attitude towards them. We live in a free society after all. Would you marry a woman who has had an abortion in the past? (Interviewee pauses - silence for at least 1-2 minutes) It would depend on the reason she did it. There has always got to be a good reason. But to be honest, if I really loved a girl then found out she had an abortion, I would be angry but I would not leave her just for this reason. So I suppose, yes, I would marry someone who has had an abortion. Q5 - Under what circumstances can a married woman be allowed to abort? I don’t think there are any excuses really, unless the mother will die as a result of not having the abortion. If they don’t want a child, then don’t have sex. If you want sex, then have safe sex. But Islam doesn’t allow safe sex? No, that’s true so Muslims shouldn’t be having sex before marriage at all. But in this day and age, unfortunately some people have gone down the wrong path. We can only try and explain the teachings of Islam, after that it is their choice whether they will follow Islam or not. Q6 - How does your religion influence your views on abortion? I feel I am a strong believer of my faith, so in a way, it does influence my reason for being against abortion. But I did say that there is an exception for this when it is possible the mother may die. This is not supported by Islam, as I should really believe that whatever happens for a reason. So yes it does influence it, and in some ways no it doesn’t. Q7 - What do you think about British non Muslims views on abortion? At the end of the day, everyone has the right to make free choices. Whatever religion people follow it is their choice. But I feel that abortion should not take place unless in exceptional circumstances. I am sure that a lot of other religions do not support abortions. Q8 - How does legalization of abortion affect society? Although the government has legalized abortion, they have put a limit on the time when abortion has to be done by. I don’t know how but they’ve proved a few things which I don’t know too much about because I don’t pay attention to it, but because they have made it legal, some people have sex, they decide they don’t want the baby and have an abortion. This is wrong. There has to be strict rules on this and everything must be checked by doctors. Do you think this affects society? Yes I think it does because people are having sex and aborting, you hear about young kids having abortions. Its bad stuff, it shouldn’t be happening. But what can you do about it. That’s life. Interview script 2 – British Muslim – Over 30 years old Q1 - What is your view about abortion? Abortion is very wrong. It should never be allowed. What do you mean it should never be allowed? Nobody gave the right to woman to the life of a child, she can never have abortion. Why she need to have an abortion? She should be careful. What do you mean by careful? She must use protection. But Islam does not allow sex before a marriage? Yes, of course nobody can have sex before marriage. If there is no sex before marriage there will be no problems. Q2 - What would be your view towards a woman who had an abortion as a result of an unwanted pregnancy? A woman cannot do this; it is her fault that she gets pregnant. Why she have sex if she don’t want child. It is her mistake. Q3 - Do you think there are any positive effects of abortion? There are no positive effects. How can it be positive when you will take the life of a child? It is not allowed. Q4 - What is your attitude towards a person who has had an abortion or supports it? If I will be honest I will not look at them in the same way. They take the life of a child, and I cannot accept this. Q5 - Under what circumstances can a married woman be allowed to abort? There are no circumstances. Abortion is completely wrong. Even if the woman was raped? Yes, even if she was raped she should not have an abortion. God gives children, and only he can decide when they will die. It is not the woman’s choice. Q6 - How does your religion influence your views on abortion? My religion is very clear, and it says no to abortion so I must respect this. There is reason from God for everything and it must be followed. Q7 - What do you think about British non Muslims views on abortion? They think it is ok to have an abortion, and there are many clinics which make it easy for them to have abortion. You see many people who get pregnant and they cannot even look after themselves. It is the parents fault for not controlling their children. Q8 - How does legalization of abortion affect society? This is the big problem; the government has made it legal to have abortion so people will go to do it without thinking too much. They make it too easy. For me, it will never be acceptable. Read More