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.
Author/Contact:
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
Images
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