CONDUCTING KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS

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1996, Number 2CONDUCTING KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWSTIPSPerformance Monitoring and EvaluationUSAID Center for Development Information and EvaluationWhat Are Key INFORMANT INTERVIEWS ?They are qualitative, in-depth INTERVIEWS of 15 to 35 people selectedfor their first-hand knowledge about a topic of interst. The inter-views are loosely structured, relying on a list of issues to be dis-cussed. Key INFORMANT INTERVIEWS resemble a conversation amongacquaintances, allowing a free flow of ideas and information. Inter-viewers frame questions spontaneously, probe for information andtakes notes, which are elaborated on Are Key INFORMANT INTERVIEWS Appropriate?This method is useful in all phases of development activities identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Advantages of key informant interviews include: • they provide information directly from knowledgeable people • they provide flexibility to explore new ideas and issues not anticipated during planning • they are inexpensive and simple to conduct Some disadvantages: • they are not appropriate if quantitative data are needed

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