An interview is essentially a guided conversation between the researcher and the respondent. It occupies a middle position between the structured questionnaire used in surveys and the completely open-ended interactions typical of participant observation methods. Though it has few technicalities, it requires practice and skill to become a good interviewer.

The chief feature of the interview is its extreme flexibility. Questions can be rephrased, the order of subjects can be changed, topics producing good material can be extended, while those provoking unfavourable reactions can be cut short. However, the interview is dependent on personalised access and the degree of rapport or mutual trust between the respondent and the researcher.

Interviews are often used along with or as a supplement to other methods like participant observation and surveys. Long conversations with key informants can provide a concentrated account, while intensive interviews can add depth and detail to survey findings.