Semi-Structured Interviews & Sociometry
- Semi-Structured Interviews
I) Meaning; A semi-structured interview is a type of interview that uses a flexible guide of questions, but allows the interviewer to probe further or ask additional questions.
- It combines the strengths of structured (standardized) and unstructured (flexible, open) interviews.
- Widely used in social science, education, and extension research.
II) Characteristics
- Based on a pre-determined set of questions (interview guide).
- Questions can be open-ended and flexible.
- Allows the researcher to explore unexpected topics.
- More natural and conversational compared to structured interviews.
III) Example
- An extension researcher interviewing farmers using some fixed questions (e.g., “What crops do you grow?”), but also asking follow-up probes (e.g., “Why do you prefer that crop?” or “How do you decide on inputs?”).
2. Sociometry
Meaning; Sociometry is a quantitative method of studying social relationships, attractions, and rejections within a group.
- Developed by L. Moreno (1934).
- It helps to identify social choices, preferences, friendships, and group structure.
Purpose
- To understand social networks and group dynamics.
- To identify leaders, isolates, cliques, and patterns of relationships in a group.
- Useful in education, extension, and organizational studies.
Key Tools
- Sociometric Test/Questionnaire; Example: “Whom would you like to sit with during group work?” “Whom would you choose as your team leader?”
- Sociogram
- A graphical representation of sociometric data.
- Shows individuals (nodes) and their choices (arrows/lines).
- Example: Circles = group members, arrows = choices.
Applications
- Identifying natural leaders and followers in extension groups.
- Understanding peer influence among students.
- Analyzing communication networks in organizations.
Example
In a farmers’ self-help group, a sociometric test may reveal:
- Who is the most preferred farmer for advice (leader).
- Which farmers are isolated (need more integration).
- Sub-groups within the community (cliques).
Exam-Ready Keywords
- Semi-structured interview = Flexible + guided + probing.
- Sociometry = Quantitative study of social relationships (J.L. Moreno).
- Sociogram = Diagram showing group choices.
- Applications = Leadership, cliques, isolates, group dynamics.
