Which interview method has no fixed set of questions and no systematic scoring, focusing on probing the applicant?

Which interview method has no fixed set of questions and no systematic scoring, focusing on probing the applicant?

• A. Unstructured interview
• B. Semi-structured interview
• C. Structured interview
• D. Clinical method

Answer: (A)

Unstructured interviews rely on open-ended questions and natural conversation, with no fixed set of questions and no standardized scoring. The interviewer follows the applicant’s responses and probes deeper to explore themes as they emerge, aiming to understand the person in a holistic way. This approach lets you gather rich, nuanced information and uncover issues that a rigid script might miss, while also helping to build rapport and encourage honest disclosure. Because there’s no scripted framework or scoring, the data gathered are qualitative and depend on the interviewer's skill in probing and interpreting subtle cues, which can introduce subjectivity but also yield insights that structured formats might overlook.

Unstructured interviews rely on open-ended questions and natural conversation, with no fixed set of questions and no standardized scoring. The interviewer follows the applicant’s responses and probes deeper to explore themes as they emerge, aiming to understand the person in a holistic way. This approach lets you gather rich, nuanced information and uncover issues that a rigid script might miss, while also helping to build rapport and encourage honest disclosure. Because there’s no scripted framework or scoring, the data gathered are qualitative and depend on the interviewer's skill in probing and interpreting subtle cues, which can introduce subjectivity but also yield insights that structured formats might overlook.