Which characteristic is most associated with semi-structured interviews?

Semi-structured interviews are characterized by a blend of structured and open-ended questioning. This format allows the interviewer to follow a predetermined set of questions while also providing the flexibility to explore additional topics that may arise during the conversation. This combination helps to gather rich, detailed information from participants, as interviewers can probe deeper into responses or clarify points based on the participant's answers. This balance is particularly beneficial in qualitative research, where understanding the context and subtleties of responses is crucial for analyzing participants' experiences and perspectives.