What type of interview structure allows for follow-up conversations while having pre-written questions?

The semi-structured interview format is particularly effective in research and psychological assessment because it combines elements of both structured and unstructured interviews. In a semi-structured interview, the interviewer prepares a set of pre-written questions to guide the conversation, which helps ensure that all relevant topics are covered. However, the interviewer also has the flexibility to ask follow-up questions based on the responses given by the interviewee.

This allowance for spontaneous dialogue enables deeper exploration of certain topics, clarifies responses, or addresses unexpected areas of interest. The combination of a structured approach with the freedom to adapt the conversation enhances the richness of the data collected, which can lead to more nuanced and insightful findings. This method is particularly valuable when researching complex psychological phenomena, as it allows for both systematic inquiry and the depth that can arise from personalized interactions.