Research interviews are a powerful way to gather rich qualitative data — but only if the questions are well designed. Poorly worded or leading questions produce weak, biased data. This complete UK guide explains the types of research interview, how to write open, unbiased questions, how to structure an interview guide, and how to pilot it.
Types of Research Interview
✓ Structured — fixed questions, like a spoken questionnaire.
✓ Semi-structured — key questions plus flexibility to follow up (the most common).
✓ Unstructured — open conversation around a topic.
Writing Open Questions
Use open questions that invite detailed answers (“How did you experience…?”) rather than closed yes/no questions. Open questions are what make interviews rich; closed ones cut the data short.
Avoiding Bias
Avoid leading questions that suggest an answer, double-barrelled questions, and jargon. Keep questions neutral and clear so participants answer honestly in their own words, not the answer you expect.
Building an Interview Guide
Group your questions logically: start with easy, rapport-building questions, move to the core topics, and prepare follow-up prompts to probe deeper. Tie every question to your research questions. See our research question guide.
Piloting Your Questions
Always pilot your interview guide with one or two people first. A pilot reveals confusing wording, questions that do not elicit useful answers, and timing problems, so you can refine before the real interviews.
Common Mistakes and Tips
✓ Leading or closed questions.
✓ Jargon participants will not understand.
✓ Too many questions.
✓ No follow-up prompts. Tip: use open, neutral questions tied to your research aims, and pilot them.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the types of research interview?
Structured, semi-structured and unstructured.
What is a semi-structured interview?
One with key questions plus flexibility to follow up — the most common type.
How do I write good interview questions?
Use open, neutral questions tied to your research aims, and pilot them.
What is an open question?
One that invites a detailed answer rather than yes or no.
How do I avoid bias?
Avoid leading and double-barrelled questions and jargon.
What is an interview guide?
A logically ordered list of your questions and follow-up prompts.
Why pilot interview questions?
To catch confusing wording and questions that do not elicit useful answers.
How many questions should an interview have?
Enough to cover your topics without overwhelming the participant.
Related Study Guides
How to Write a Questionnaire • How to Do a Thematic Analysis • How to Write a Methodology • How to Write a Research Question
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