We’ll begin with the most obvious interview setting— face-to-face. This is what most people envision when they think of a generic interview. The image that might jump to mind is that of an interviewer and interviewee sitting across from each other in a quiet space like a coffee shop or classroom.
| Face-to-Face Interview Advantages | Face-to-Face Interview Disadvantages |
| You can observe nonverbal cues, such as facial expression, body language, and eye contact, to get a better understanding of what the participant is feeling in the moment. This can allow you to ask probing questions at the right moments, as well as build a solid basis for establishing rapport. | You may (unconsciously) guide the interviewee’s responses in a specific direction with your own behavior and reactions. To avoid this, be aware of any biases you might have and be sure to stay judgment-free throughout the interview. Remember that non-verbal cues can go both ways! |
| Face-to-face interviews allow for shorter time delays between asking a question and receiving the answer. With little time to answer, participants will not overthink their immediate response and may be more candid in their responses. | Face-to-face interviews can be costly in terms of time and money. You might have to travel long distances to reach your population of interest. The interviews must also be scheduled at convenient times for the participants. This can be more complicated when larger teams of researchers are needed. These issues however can often be addressed with careful planning |
| Your hands will be free to take additional notes as you are recording, a luxury that you may not have if you are typing responses to participants in a virtual environment. | |
| Building rapport with participants can be much easier when you are able to talk to them in-person. |
Overall, if you are able to do so and your population of interest is accessible, face-to-face interviews are usually the first choice for researchers. For all interviews, it is critical to make an appointment with the interviewee and identify where you will meet. Conversational interviews may take place in a casual setting, such as a home or a coffee shop. Keep in mind that your interview participant has their own agenda, so follow up and confirm the scheduled interview appointment with them. In some situations, however, face-to-face interviews may not be possible, so you may need other options.
