Unstructured Interview | Definition, Guide & Examples

An unstructured interview is a data collection method that relies on asking participants questions to collect data on a topic. Also known as non-directive interviewing, unstructured interviews do not have a set pattern and questions are not arranged in advance.

In research, unstructured interviews are usually qualitative in nature, and can be very helpful for social science or humanities research focusing on personal experiences.

An unstructured interview can be a particularly useful exploratory research tool. Known for being very informal and flexible, they can yield captivating responses from your participants.

Note
Unstructured interviews differ from other types of interviews because none of the questions are predetermined in topic or order. The other three most common types of interviews are:

Continue reading: Unstructured Interview | Definition, Guide & Examples

Semi-Structured Interview | Definition, Guide & Examples

A semi-structured interview is a data collection method that relies on asking questions within a predetermined thematic framework. However, the questions are not set in order or in phrasing.

In research, semi-structured interviews are often qualitative in nature. They are generally used as an exploratory tool in marketing, social science, survey methodology, and other research fields.

They are also common in field research with many interviewers, giving everyone the same theoretical framework, but allowing them to investigate different facets of the research question.

Note
Semi-structured interviews are a mix of structured and unstructured interviews. While a few questions are predetermined, the others aren’t planned. The other three most common types of interviews are:

Continue reading: Semi-Structured Interview | Definition, Guide & Examples

Structured Interview | Definition, Guide & Examples

A structured interview is a data collection method that relies on asking questions in a set order to collect data on a topic. It is one of four types of interviews.

In research, structured interviews are often quantitative in nature. They can also be used in qualitative research if the questions are open-ended, but this is less common.

While structured interviews are often associated with job interviews, they are also common in marketing, social science, survey methodology, and other research fields.

Note
Structured interviews differ from other types of interviews because the questions are predetermined in both topic and order.The other three most common types of interviews are:

Continue reading: Structured Interview | Definition, Guide & Examples

What Is Peer Review? | Types & Examples

Peer review, sometimes referred to as refereeing, is the process of evaluating submissions to an academic journal. Using strict criteria, a panel of reviewers in the same subject area decides whether to accept each submission for publication.

Peer-reviewed articles are considered a highly credible source due to the stringent process they go through before publication.

There are various types of peer review. The main difference between them is to what extent the authors, reviewers, and editors know each other’s identities. The most common types are:

Relatedly, peer assessment is a process where your peers provide you with feedback on something you’ve written, based on a set of criteria or benchmarks from an instructor. They then give constructive feedback, compliments, or guidance to help you improve your draft.

Continue reading: What Is Peer Review? | Types & Examples

Exploratory Research | Definition, Guide, & Examples

Exploratory research is a methodology approach that investigates research questions that have not previously been studied in depth.

Exploratory research is often qualitative and primary in nature. However, a study with a large sample conducted in an exploratory manner can be quantitative as well. It is also often referred to as interpretive research or a grounded theory approach due to its flexible and open-ended nature.

Note: Be careful not to confuse exploratory research with explanatory research, which is also preliminary in nature but instead explores why a well-documented problem occurs using secondary research.

Continue reading: Exploratory Research | Definition, Guide, & Examples

Explanatory Research | Definition, Guide, & Examples

Explanatory research is a research method that explores why something occurs when limited information is available. It can help you increase your understanding of a given topic, ascertain how or why a particular phenomenon is occurring, and predict future occurrences.

Explanatory research can also be explained as a “cause and effect” model, investigating patterns and trends in existing data that haven’t been previously investigated. For this reason, it is often considered a type of causal research.

Note: Be careful not to confuse explanatory research with exploratory research, which is also preliminary in nature but instead explores a subject that hasn’t been studied in depth yet.

Continue reading: Explanatory Research | Definition, Guide, & Examples

Plagiarism resources for educators

Plagiarism can be a tricky subject to teach. Students may think of plagiarism as a deliberate action—e.g., copy-pasting something from Wikipedia or turning in a paper they didn’t write—but it’s important to communicate that plagiarism often occurs accidentally.

We have compiled a variety of resources targeted at educators and professionals seeking to teach high school or college students about plagiarism. These include sample lecture slides, videos, in-depth examples, quizzes, and downloadable worksheets.

Continue reading: Plagiarism resources for educators

Examples of Plagiarism & Tips for Avoiding It

Plagiarism means using someone else’s words or ideas without properly crediting the original author.

Some common examples of plagiarism include:

  • Paraphrasing a source too closely
  • Including a direct quote without quotation marks
  • Copying elements of different sources and pasting them into a new document
  • Leaving out an in-text citation
  • Submitting a full text that is not your own

The examples below illustrate common instances of accidental plagiarism, with solutions to help you submit your work with confidence. Most of these types of plagiarism are quite easy to detect with a reliable plagiarism checker.

Continue reading: Examples of Plagiarism & Tips for Avoiding It

Consequences of Mild, Moderate & Severe Plagiarism

If you use someone else’s words or ideas without properly crediting them, you could be committing plagiarism. The consequences of plagiarism vary based on the severity of the offense.

Consequences of mild, moderate, and severe plagiarism
Level of plagiarism Examples Likely consequence
Mild
  • Source cited in text but left out of reference list
  • Quotation marks omitted around a quote
Grade penalty or automatic zero
Moderate
  • Text copied from a source with a few words changed
  • Source paraphrased without citation
Failing grade on course
Severe
  • Patchwork of different texts passed off as original
  • Paper written by someone else
Academic probation or expulsion

Plagiarism can also have serious consequences in high school and during the college application process. Many high schools use plagiarism checkers and treat plagiarism the same way colleges do, and admissions officers will typically disregard your application if they find you’ve plagiarized any part of it.

Continue reading: Consequences of Mild, Moderate & Severe Plagiarism