What characterizes an interview in data collection?

Interviews in data collection are characterized by person-to-person conversations that gather information. This method allows for dynamic interaction between the interviewer and the participant, which facilitates deeper engagement and clarification on responses. The personal nature of an interview helps to build rapport, making participants more likely to share detailed and nuanced information. Furthermore, interviews provide the opportunity for the interviewer to explore responses further through follow-up questions, resulting in richer qualitative data. This interactive format contrasts with structured methods, such as surveys or observations, where the data collection relies on pre-defined questions or passive observation. The flexibility and depth of conversations in interviews are essential for gaining insights that are often not captured through other data collection methods.