However, the procedure allows the recorder to deviate from the script with spontaneous follow-up questions if they are germane to the evaluation. Obvious strengths of the interview format is that they offer the evaluator the option of clarifying questions for the respondent if required. The evaluator also has the flexibility to probe the respondent's answers further with follow-up questions. The interview format can be a comfortable one for respondents, as they have the interviewer's attention and adequate time to respond. Interviews can raise issues not foreseen by evaluators, because of the less-structured nature of the process and unique insights offered by respondents.
Interviews can be time-intensive, both for the interviewer and respondents.
If not carefully facilitated, group interviews may result in certain group members dominating the conversation. Data collected from the interview can be difficult to analyze, quantify, and aggregate. Tests of Knowledge. It is even possible to have the respondent demonstrate specific procedures as a form of test. If questions are carefully selected to demonstrate the student's mastery of a particular knowledge base or skill-set, tests have the advantage of assuring the evaluator that the respondent either has or has not acquired a set of knowledge.