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Interview Method — Previous Year Questions

📊 Topic Overview​

MetricValue
Total Questions8 (3.6%)
Priority🟡 MEDIUM — Section A or B

🎯 Must-Know Concepts​

  1. Definition of interview
  2. Types: structured, semi-structured, unstructured
  3. Purpose in personality assessment
  4. Strengths of interview method
  5. Limitations / weaknesses of interview method

📝 Master Answer — Section B (250 words / 6 marks)​

Q. Explain interview method. Describe its strengths and weaknesses. (6 marks)​

Also: "Critically analyze interview method and also discuss briefly about various interviewing techniques." (2014-Dec)

Interview Method

An interview is a face-to-face verbal interaction between the assessor and the individual being assessed, used to gather information about personality, history, behaviour, and current functioning. It is one of the oldest and most flexible methods of personality assessment.

Types of Interviews

  1. Structured Interview: Pre-determined questions asked in a fixed order; responses are scored against standardised criteria. High reliability; used in clinical diagnosis (e.g., SCID for DSM disorders).

  2. Semi-Structured Interview: Core questions are standardised, but the interviewer can probe or follow up flexibly. Balances standardisation with depth.

  3. Unstructured Interview: Free-flowing conversation guided by the interviewer's clinical judgment. Maximum flexibility; rich qualitative data; lowest reliability.

Purpose

  • Establish rapport and obtain background history
  • Clarify responses to psychological tests
  • Assess mental status (orientation, affect, thought process)
  • Gather information not accessible through self-report or observation

Strengths

  1. Flexible — can explore unexpected areas in depth
  2. Provides non-verbal information (body language, affect, eye contact)
  3. Suitable for all age groups and literacy levels
  4. Allows clarification of ambiguous responses
  5. Builds therapeutic alliance

Weaknesses

  1. Low reliability — different interviewers may reach different conclusions
  2. Interviewer bias — personal assumptions can distort interpretation
  3. Social desirability — respondents may present themselves favourably
  4. Time-intensive and requires trained interviewers
  5. Limited standardisation in unstructured formats

Overcoming Weaknesses: Structured formats, standardised scoring, interviewer training, and audio/video recording improve reliability.

💡 Exam Tips​

  • Always specify three types with brief descriptions.
  • "Strengths and weaknesses" is the standard format — present 3–4 each, balanced.
  • Mention structured interviews (e.g., SCID) as the solution to reliability problems.