Why are written questionnaires not permitted in interviews?

The primary reason that written questionnaires are not permitted during interviews relates to the nature of interaction that these interviews aim to foster. Interviews are designed to facilitate genuine conversation and immediate feedback between the interviewer and the participant. When written questionnaires are used, the dynamic of the interaction is compromised, as the interviewer cannot engage in spontaneous dialogue or follow-up questions based on the participant's responses. This real-time interaction is essential for clarifying answers, exploring nuances, and encouraging more open and detailed discussions, which leads to richer insights.

In interviews, the flexibility to adapt questions based on the flow of conversation is crucial, and written questionnaires do not allow for this level of adaptability. Moreover, the interview process benefits from the interpersonal elements that facilitate rapport and comfort, which a written format cannot provide. This immediacy and personal engagement is essential for gathering high-quality data, making the use of written questionnaires less effective in an interview setting.