Interviews are one of the most valuable ways to gather qualitative data for a dissertation, but they need careful planning to produce credible results. This UK guide walks you through the types of research interview, how to design good questions, the ethics you must follow, and how to conduct and analyse interviews properly.
Types of Research Interview
There are three main types. Structured interviews use a fixed list of questions asked in the same order, giving consistency and easy comparison but little flexibility. Semi-structured interviews use a guide of key questions but allow you to follow up on interesting answers — this is the most popular choice for student research because it balances focus with depth. Unstructured interviews are open and conversational, rich in detail but harder to analyse. Choose the type that best fits your research questions.
Designing Your Interview Questions
Good questions are open, clear and neutral. Use open questions that invite explanation (“Can you tell me about…?”) rather than yes/no questions, and avoid leading questions that suggest an answer. Start with easy, general questions to build rapport before moving to more sensitive topics. Pilot your questions with one or two people first to check they are understood as you intended, and keep the number manageable so you can explore answers in depth.
Ethics and Informed Consent
Before you interview anyone, you almost always need ethical approval from your university. Participants must give informed consent, meaning they understand the purpose of your research, how their data will be used and stored, and that they can withdraw at any time. Provide a participant information sheet and a consent form, anonymise personal details, and store recordings securely in line with data-protection rules. Never begin data collection before your ethics approval is confirmed.
Conducting the Interview
Choose a quiet, comfortable setting or a reliable online platform, and test your recording equipment beforehand. Begin by restating the purpose and confirming consent, then work through your guide while listening actively and allowing silences that give the participant space to think. Use follow-up prompts such as “Can you say more about that?” to deepen answers. Stay neutral, avoid interrupting, and keep an eye on time so you cover your key questions.
Transcribing and Analysing Your Data
After each interview, transcribe the recording — writing out what was said — as soon as possible while it is fresh. You can then analyse the transcripts, most commonly through thematic analysis: coding the text, grouping codes into themes, and supporting each theme with representative quotations. Good analysis interprets what participants meant in relation to your research question, rather than simply summarising what they said.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many interviews do I need for a dissertation?
There is no fixed number, but many undergraduate and master’s projects use between six and fifteen, aiming for the point where new interviews stop revealing new themes. Check your supervisor’s guidance.
Do I need ethical approval to interview people?
In almost all cases, yes. UK universities require ethical approval before you collect data from human participants. Never start interviewing before approval is granted.
What is the best type of interview for student research?
Semi-structured interviews are the most popular, because they keep your research focused while allowing you to explore interesting responses in more depth.
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