The aim of the first research question is to collect descriptive data from the groups concerned and for this, I have designed an open-ended questionnaire.
The second research question requires an in-depth examination of the groups concerned and I'm thinking of using semi-structured interviews which will be partly based on the data gathered from the open-ended questionnaire.
Given that the open-ended questionnaire and semi-structured interviews are more or less similar in design, how appropriate is to use both of them in one study?
The difference between a questionnaire and a structured interview is given by the nature of the questions. In a questionnaire the closed questions are predominant; in a structured interview the open questions are predominant.
I think you have a structured interview and a semi-structured one in your research project and it is just fine. I don't see any problem using them both as you planned.
Dear Leva,
I understand from your description that the same people are interviewed twice, aren't they? If so, it would make sense to have one single study (or at least database) so that for example, you could "triangulate" (relate) the key-words or expressions they formulated via the open-ended question on one hand, with the topics/themes (however you call them) you will identify in the verbatim of the semi-structured interviews on the other hand.
Good luck with your work. Best regards.
SG
If you need to "develop" the topics you want to ask about in your second interview, then it could indeed make sense to do an initial, exploratory set of interviews, and you could use open-ended questions to accomplish that.
I think the key issue is not so much that the two methods have some similarities, but that you have an explicit purpose for each method, and a clear plan for how the results from the first method will feed into how you use the second method.
This kind of "exploratory sequential design" is relatively common when using a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods, but it is more unusual when both of your methods of qualitative.
I agree with the posts above that you're on the right track.
Regarding your "..open-ended questionnaire...", this will allow respondents to 'talk themselves out' and furnish you with plenty of data for the second phase of your research; just remember to keep things flexible, as, since your questionnaire is open-ended, the design of it can't be 'written in stone'.
Consider thereafter, the suggestions of Stephane and David, above, and you should have yourself a decent study.
I think these methods work well together. Triangulation in data collection can help to elucidate your findings and help you to better make sense of what you find!
Good luck,
Adrianne
Dear Lela
The only similarity I see between open-ended questions and individula interviews is the qualitative nature of the data. Open-ended questions in a questionnaire are developed in support of closed questions. Also as an exploration to response categories to close questions in future questionnaires. Semi-structured interviews are used to thoroughly understand a topic. In short, the open-ended questions could hardly be the main method in a study (exception: projective techniques). Interviews in many studies are the main method.
I would recommend you to reflect on the objectives of your research. It seems strange to me the combination of these two methods, because I do not find synergy.
Greetings,
Jorge
Depends on your research problem, you can combine both qualitative and quantitative approaches, each one - with its difference can - elarge the discovery and lights over the answers to your research.
In despite of its epistemology and methodologicy difference, triangulation may enhance the huge fight for discovering "the truth" in a cientific way.
Dear Lela
you may also think of doing FGD with the intended groups, arrive at categories, develop themes, and then do either survey with closed ended questions largely, with few open ended questions, or if you think interview is a better way to elicit information, use structured interviews, as the first tool should generate sufficient base to move on. Do not fritter away your energy.
best
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