Advanced Social Research Methods and Interview Analysis Report

This report delves into advanced social research methods, specifically focusing on the interview technique as a form of quantitative data collection. It explores the strengths and weaknesses of interviews, including their ability to gather direct data, facilitate large sample sizes, and potentially reduce bias, while also acknowledging challenges such as language barriers and the potential for manipulation. The report examines the application of interviews in social work, particularly in understanding the lifestyle and challenges faced by the 'hobbit' people in the context of migration and social issues. The report also highlights the importance of ethical considerations, such as data protection, and the role of interviews in informing policy and improving living standards. The report emphasizes the significance of field surveys and interviews in gaining insights into the current issues faced by the hobbits, advocating for their inclusion in mainstream activities and addressing discrimination and harassment. The report concludes by emphasizing the efficiency of interviews in collecting data and their potential for assessing future implications in securing career plans and enhancing living standards.

Running head: ADVANCED SOCIAL RESEARCH METHOD & INTERVIEW
ADVANCED SOCIAL RESEARCH METHOD & INTERVIEW
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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ADVANCED SOCIAL RESEARCH METHOD & INTERVIEW
Introduction................................................................................................................................2
Discussion..................................................................................................................................2
Quantitative research method:................................................................................................2
Interview................................................................................................................................3
Strengths of Interview........................................................................................................4
Weaknesses of Interview....................................................................................................4
Pros of Interview in Application of Social Work...............................................................5
Cons of Interview in Application of Social Work.............................................................5
Application of Interview Method in the Field of Social Work:.................................................5
Conclusion..................................................................................................................................7
References..................................................................................................................................8

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Introduction
Quantitative method of data collection is one of the effective ways for gaining an
insight into the approaches of the people towards a particular concept. One of the forms of
quantitative data collection is interview, which results in exchange of information from one
person to other (Alshenqeeti 2014). Scholarly reviews in this context is assistance for the
readers to get the idea about the hobbit people and their lifestyle in western Africa. As per the
revelations of The Conversation, hobbits were thought to be extinct. The time span for this
was considered to be around 12000 years ago. It is the initiatives of Thomas Sutikna, Mathew
W. Tocheri and Richard. G. Roberts, who through their efforts, reinvigorates the history and
culture of the Hobbits through excavations and studies (Sutikna, Tocheri and Roberts 2016).
Discussion
Quantitative research method:
This research method include the data collection process by conducting surveys of
any particular group of people of the society. Interviews, direct conversations with people of
various parts of the society, collection and graphical representation of data can also consider
as the quantitative research method (Lampard and Pole 2015). Information can also transfer
from interviewee to interviewer through telephones. Internet and social networking sites have
successfully reduced all the geographical barriers and help to connect people across the
globe. An interview can be done by sending a set of questionnaire to the interviewee and this
person needs to fill this questionnaire (Powney and Watts 2018). One can also conduct this
process through any audiovisual technology (Skype), emails and other similar processes
(Janghorban, Roudsari and Taghipour 2014).

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Interview
Interview is considered to be one of the major tools or methods of the quantitative
data collection process. Interviews rely on random sampling, collecting data, analyzing
collected data, and lastly representation of the collected data (Alshenqeeti 2014). In the
current context, the focus is on unstructured interviews regarding the migration of hobbit
people in the western Africa. According to the arguments of Trobia (2016), online
questionnaires form an integral part of selecting respondents from the audiences for
collecting data on the Hobbits. Large sample size enhances the intercultural comparisons.
Interviewing the samples is an effective means for reducing biases, which indicate
demarcation between the social hierarchies.
One of the crucial challenges in the interviews is the language barriers, which
hampers the process of data collection. Viewing it from the other perspective, interviews
regarding the migration of the hobbit people is an initiative towards publicizing their culture
heritage, customs and traditions. In this context, consciousness is needed towards the use of
Data Protection Act (1998), which helps in preserving the security within the responses
shared by the samples (Bryman 2016).
Interviews with the archaeologists have proved beneficial in highlighting the issues
encountered by the people of western Africa while migrating to the other countries. In this
process, the issues of rural out migrants, economic crisis and remittances have gained
prominence. Upon excavations, it was found that Hobbits led a sedentary lifestyle in the
caves. Usually, they suffered from skull shrinking disease, which was genetic. Isolation
compelled them to encounter much sufferings and ailments. An example can be cited of the
views of Christopher Stringer, who reinvigorates human origin in the threshold of Africa.
Genetic data reveals that it was 60000 years ago when the modern humans came out of Africa

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(Edge.org 2019). The studies depict the conglomeration of the modern humans with
Neanderthals, followed by Denisovans in the Southeast Asia.
Strengths of Interview
 The Interview helps to get actual data directly acquired from general respondents
(Alshenqeeti 2014).
 One important strength of quantitative interview method is that it involves asking
close-ended questions, as a result of which interviewer disruption or intervention is
minimum, since no note taking process is involved.
 Quantitative interviews, unlike the qualitative ones help in collecting data from a very
large sample.
 Because of technological advancement, such as random digital dialing, researchers
can easily access data from a wide, varied audience.
 It helps the interviewer to build a good relationship with his respondents.
 It is a less time- consuming process. This is especially possible because of computer-
assisted telephone interviewing process, that enables the researcher to enter responses
directly into the computer (in case of a telephonic interview).
 This process allows interviewee to answer in a comfort zone (Alshenqeeti 2014).
Weaknesses of Interview
 Conducting any face to face interview is always better at times. In other words, in
case of face to face interviews, lies or manipulations can be easily detected. In case of
telephonic interviews, if the respondent is uncomfortable or finds any question
invasive, his accuracy of responses cannot be examined via phone.
 There are high chances of manipulation in case of collecting the necessary data
(Powney and Watts 2018).

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 Since quantitative interview involves numerical interpretation of research data, data
analysis process of coding can be complex.
 The interviewer often seems to force his respondent to share personal or confidential
data.
Pros of Interview in Application of Social Work
 Response rates are usually much higher in case of quantitative interview methods than
qualitative interview methods.
 Reliability and accuracy of data is also higher, as in case of quantitative interview
methods, numerical interpretation of research data is possible.
 Helps in eliminating confusion of the respondents, as in case of quantitative
interviews, unlike surveys, they can reach out to the interviewer.
 Interviews comprise of close-ended questions of the same pattern and same format
that ensures uniformity in the research process.
Cons of Interview in Application of Social Work
 Quantitative interviews are not done by mailing, but usually calling respondents.
So, the entire process is expensive.
 In some cases, the interviewees are not willing to share the views on the proposed
questions. This situation aggravates the complexities in terms of maintaining the
security and privacy of the responses.
 In absence of face-to-face interaction, it becomes difficult to gauge the
authenticity of facts shared.
Application of Interview Method in the Field of Social Work:
Interviews are integral in social work for extracting necessary data from the samples.
Selection of the samples is done on the basis of probability, which is assistance in forming
the questions. Mention can be made of the opinions of Professor Tolkien, who highlighted the

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native health of the hobbits, known as the Shire. His statements are full of adventures in the
mesmerizing bushy mountains. This also reflects the terror, as the hobbits are isolated.
Research projects about Hobbits would be a means for enhancing their standards of living
(Telegraph.co.uk 2019). Interviewing them would enhance their awareness about the lifestyle
and the issues, which they are facing in the strange country. One of the main issues, which
the researcher would face in the interview process is language barriers. For this, interpreters
can be hired.
Field surveys and interviews would be one of an effective means for gaining the
knowledge about the current issues, which the hobbits are facing in their existentialist
struggles. Mapping their responses in the light of the current health issues would be an
effective approach in terms of measuring the life expectancy ratio of the Africans. In this
context, interview with scientists can be a planned and reasoned approach towards collecting
essential data. Apart from this, Powney and Watts (2018) is of the view that interviews would
be effective for gaining an insight into the medical measures taken for enhancing the quality
of life for the hobbits.
One of the other aspects in this context is the accommodation facilities. Interview
with the archaeologists would be effective in terms of gaining an insight into the space issues.
Here, reference can be drawn about the ‘empty space’, which has been created by the rural-
urban or rural to rural migration. As a matter of specification, empty spaces refer to the
migration of the rural people to the urban areas. The issues of space has adversely affected
the rural livelihoods, which went unnoticed in the previous research and studies.
Mention can also be made of the interviews with the African government, which
would be a prime responsibility for the researchers to collect data on the steps towards
legalizing the sustenance of the hobbits in the threshold of Africa. Free movement prevailed

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in the post-colonial times. Harassments and discriminations also prevailed, indicating a threat
to the locals as well as the foreigners. In this process, dislike erupted for the foreigners, which
broadened the gap between the natives and the foreigners (Nationalgovernment.co.za 2019).
Corruption cases were also recorded in the civilisation of the hobbits. Interviewing the
statutory bodies of law would be assistance for the researcher to collect information about the
expulsion cases and others.
The researchers can access the governmental websites for gaining an insight into the
lectures and seminars, which have been organised for the researchers involved in the social
work for uplifting the standards of living for the hobbits.
Conclusion
Interview is considered to be one of an efficient methods of collecting data on the
research topic. Interviews on the lifestyle of the Hobbits gains prominence in the current
context. Field surveys along with the interviews proves beneficial in witnessing the current
issues, which Hobbits are encountering in their existential struggles. Assuring the hobbits that
their responses would be prevented from commercialization is one of the strengths of
interview. Incorporating the Data Protection Act (1998) is apt for respecting the individual
sentiments and opinions. As the hobbits are secluded tribes, they need to be included within
the mainstream, activities for reducing the instances of conflicts, discriminations and
harassments. Intervention of the courts is an effective approach in the process of interviews in
order to looking after the expulsion cases and others.
Mapping the impact of interviews on social work is beneficial for the researcher to
assess the future implications in terms of securing the career plans. This assessment proves
beneficial in measuring the contribution towards enhancing the standards of living for the
hobbits.

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References
Alshenqeeti, H., 2014. Interviewing as a data collection method: A critical review. English
Linguistics Research, 3(1), pp.39-4
Bryman, A., 2016. Social research methods. Oxford university press.
Choy, L.T., 2014. The strengths and weaknesses of research methodology: Comparison and
complimentary between qualitative and quantitative approaches. IOSR Journal of Humanities
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Edge.org 2019. Rethinking out of Africa. Available at:
https://www.edge.org/conversation/christopher_stringer-rethinking-out-of-africa [Accessed
on 5th September 2019]
Hughes, J.A. and Sharrock, W.W., 2016. The philosophy of social research. Routledge.
Janghorban, R., Roudsari, R.L. and Taghipour, A., 2014. Skype interviewing: The new
generation of online synchronous interview in qualitative research. International journal of
qualitative studies on health and well-being, 9(1), p.24152.
Lampard, R. and Pole, C., 2015. Practical social investigation: Qualitative and quantitative
methods in social research. Routledge.
Nationalgovernment.co.za 2019. About us. Available at: https://nationalgovernment.co.za/
[Accessed on 5th September 2019]
Ormston, R., Spencer, L., Barnard, M. and Snape, D., 2014. The foundations of qualitative
research. Qualitative research practice: A guide for social science students and
researchers, 2, pp.52-55.
Powney, J. and Watts, M., 2018. Interviewing in educational research. Routledge.

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Sutikna, T., Tocheri, M. & Roberts, R. 2016. The 'hobbits' were extinct much earlier than first
thought. The Conversation, 31 March 1-4.
Telegraph.co.uk 2019. JRR Tolkien: 'I never expected a money success' Available at:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/books/authors/tolkien-interview-its-easier-to-film-the-odyssey/
[Accessed on 5th September 2019]
Trobia, A., 2016. Selecting significant respondents from large audience datasets: The case of
the World Hobbit Project. Participations: Journal of Audience and Reception Studies, 13(2),
pp.440-468.