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GIZ ValuES - Method Profile: Different interview formats

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ValuES: Methods for integrating ecosystem services into policy, planning, and practice

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Postfach 5180 / P.O. Box 5180, 65726 Eschborn, Deutschland / Germany

T  + 49 6196 79-1321, E  info@aboutvalues.net

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Resource description:

Interviews are a key method for obtaining first-hand information and field data on any aspect that is of interest. If well-conducted and properly analysed, interviews can significantly advance understanding of complex issues. Various formats exist: An in-depth interview captures how people value or understand something. In a semi-structured interview the researcher interviews individuals, small groups or households using a checklist of issues or topics (not a questionnaire) to guide their discussions. In a structured interview a questionnaire is used which guides the conversation and limits the scope of responses accordingly. This method profile focuses on qualitative (in-depth/ semi-structured) interviews: They deliver insights into people’s experiences, knowledge, feelings and understandings of the ecosystem in focus.

Advantages:

  • Particularly suited for addressing intangible ecosystem services .
  • Qualitative interviews can reveal social, cultural, historic context information for any further assessment
  • in -depth interviews is that they provide much more detailed information than what is available through other data collection methods, such as survey s.

Partners:

  • Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ
  • Conservation Strategy Fund (CSF)
  • Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nucelar Safety of the Federal Republic of Germany (Funding)

Licence:

  • Free, no licence

Development stage:

  • Full, working product