Which interviewing technique requires flexibility while maintaining a set guideline of questions?

The semi-structured interview is characterized by its blend of flexibility and a defined framework. This technique involves a set of predetermined questions that guide the conversation, but it also allows the interviewer to deviate from those questions to explore topics in more depth, based on the participant's responses. This adaptability can lead to richer, more nuanced data as the interviewer can probe for more information or clarify responses, all while ensuring that key topics are covered.

In practice, a semi-structured interview provides the interviewer with the ability to follow up on interesting points that may arise, which can lead to discovering additional insights that may not be captured with a more rigid format. The structured elements give the interview consistency and comparability, while the flexibility helps in building rapport with the interviewee and obtaining more detailed information. This balance makes the semi-structured interview particularly valuable in occupational therapy assessments, where understanding the individual's experience and context is crucial for effective intervention planning.