Semi-structured and unstructured interviewing: a comparison of methodologies in research with patients following discharge from an acute psychiatric hospital.

This comparison of interview methods was made during a preliminary investigation into the experiences and expectations of patients discharged from an acute psychiatric hospital. The data was collected by four unstructured and four semi-structured interviews and included the views of respondents regarding the method used. A comparison of both interview methods was made. Analysis followed Miles & Huberman's (1994) guidance for data analysis, from which conclusions were drawn. Data were first reduced, then displayed using cross-case analysis. The use of Miles & Huberman's (1994) model of data analysis proved effective in allowing for data to be displayed and compared in a robust manner. Findings related to the comparative analysis showed that unstructured interviews resulted in greater depth and enabled positive and negative aspects of care to be identified in greater detail than semi-structured interviewing. Additionally, when asked to reflect upon the interview methods used, respondents found that unstructured interviewing allowed them to describe their experiences and expectations in greater detail than semi-structured interviews.