Why might an unstructured interview be less effective?

An unstructured interview can be less effective primarily because it can lead to missed information and inadequate follow-up. In this type of interview, the lack of a predetermined format or specific questions often results in interviewers not covering all relevant topics or failing to probe deeply enough into critical areas. This spontaneity, while it can promote open dialogue, may prevent the interviewer from systematically gathering essential details or clarifying responses adequately. Consequently, vital pieces of information might be overlooked, which could negatively impact the overall quality and usefulness of the information obtained during the interview.

The benefits offered by more structured interviews, such as ensuring comprehensive coverage of necessary topics and facilitating systematic follow-up questions, highlight why unstructured formats may sometimes fall short of meeting the goals of an effective investigative process.