What is a standardized interview characterized by?

A standardized interview is characterized by strict adherence to a specific style and format, which includes a predefined set of questions that are asked in a consistent manner across different interviewees. This approach ensures that each participant is asked the same questions, allowing for uniformity in the data collected and heightening the reliability and validity of the responses.

Standardized interviews are particularly useful in research settings or assessments where comparisons across subjects are necessary. The structured nature eliminates variability in how questions are presented, making it easier to analyze responses quantitatively.

While flexibility in question format and unstructured conversation flow can be beneficial in certain contexts, they are not features of standardized interviews. Similarly, while personal insights from the interviewer may enrich other types of interviews, this is not a characteristic of a standardized format either. Hence, the focus on prescribed styles and set questions distinguishes standardized interviews as a method of data collection.