How do interviews differ from surveys?

Interviews differ from surveys primarily in the depth of engagement they offer. During interviews, the format allows for a conversational approach, enabling the interviewer to ask open-ended questions and probe for further detail. This dynamic interaction fosters an environment where participants can elaborate on their thoughts, clarify their responses, and provide insights that may not be captured in a standard survey format. The interviewer can follow up on interesting points, leading to a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

In contrast, surveys typically utilize fixed questions that limit the responses to predefined options. While surveys can gather a large amount of data efficiently, they often don't allow for the same level of exploration that interviews do. Consequently, the ability to ask follow-up questions in interviews leads to richer data and more nuanced responses that are critical in understanding complex topics or eliciting detailed feedback.