Structured Interviews

The Purpose of Structured Interviews

Structured interviews allow for a more objective means of evaluating clinical symptoms and behaviors. For example, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I) is a diagnostic examination used to determine major mental disorders. By asking the same questions to people with specific issues, structured interviews can also provide people with an equal opportunity to be assessed fairly, as in the case of determining support services for people with a disability. Structured interviews are also an effective means of producing consistent data that can be compared across a number of respondents; therefore, they are a common method used in qualitative research. Forensic scientists and investigators also use structured interviews to obtain accurate information about a crime.

Special Considerations in Interviewing People With ID/DD

It is becoming increasingly accepted that people with ID/DD are the best authority for answering questions about their own lives, feelings, and opinions. Many international declarations highlight the importance of fundamental human rights as they pertain to people with ID/DD. Special considerations should be taken into account when interviewing members of this population so they are not devalued or patronized in any way during the process. Sufficient training and experience in interviewing people with ID/DD is important

Use of Proxies

While it is of utmost importance that interviews be performed with the person with the ID/DD present, there are some situations in which the interviewer may be unable to understand the interviewee’s responses. In these situations, a proxy can be used and may include a parent, advocate, or supporter who can respond on behalf of the person with the ID/DD. In any report, the use of proxies should be stated. Proxy interviews work best when the proxy sits next to the person being interviewed and speaks for him or her in third person (e.g., “John likes …” rather than “I think he needs …”). Proxy responses should also be tested by asking for examples and observing the nonverbal cues of the person with the ID/DD during the interview process.

Types of Communication

People with ID/DD may use several forms of communication with which the interviewer should be familiar. Nonverbal communication, such as body movements, gestures, and facial expressions, are also very effective in the interview process. This is particularly true for people with severe communication difficulties. Alternative forms of communication, such as symbols or pictures, and 3-D figures, such as dolls, may also be useful tools during an interview process.

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