In-Person Interview

An in-person interview is a data collection method where the researcher is in the same location as the participant and asks questions to which the participant responds. An in-person interview is also referred to as a face-to-face interview because the researcher and participant are facing each other during the interview conversation. Interviews are a common source of qualitative data because they are an effective means to learn from participants about their perceptions of and experiences with a study's topic. Therefore, they are an appropriate type of data collection for most qualitative designs and can be implemented using different interview formats such as semi-structured and unstructured. When a researcher decides to conduct individual interviews, she or he must decide whether they will be conducted in person or by other means such as by telephone or web conferencing. In-person interviews have many strengths as a qualitative data source, but researchers must also consider the challenges associated with this method.

In-person interviews are generally the best choice when interviewing individuals who are geographically accessible. As with all types of interviews, researchers using in-person interviews learn about participants' views in their own words. In addition, by conducting interviews in person, researchers are better able to develop rapport with participants, thereby increasing the likelihood of learning details about their views. Interviewers can also make observations during interviews when they are physically present. Observations may include important nonverbal cues used by interviewees, including hand motions and head nodding. If the in-person interviews take place in the participants' settings (e.g., their homes or places of work), then interviewers are able to observe individuals' context as well.

There are many considerations that must be addressed when collecting data with in-person interviews. Foremost, the researcher must evaluate whether the participant is located close enough to the researcher's location so that they may meet in person. The interview is usually scheduled in advance at a location that is accessible to both the researcher and the participant, preferably a location that is quiet and sufficiently private to protect the participant's confidentiality. To develop rapport, the interviewer should consider issues such as how she or he dresses and speaks to the participant to ensure the participant's comfort with the situation. As with all interviews, informed consent is essential for in-person interviews, and the researcher must decide how information will be recorded and locate suitable recording devices. Lapel microphones that can be clipped to the interviewer's and participant's clothing are particularly useful for audiorecording in-person interviews. Finally, the interviewer should know the questions to be asked and be able to take notes unobtrusively so that he or she is able to listen and maintain eye contact with the interviewee during the conversation.