What term is used to describe the list of topics or questions an interviewer aims to address during qualitative interviews?

The term "interview guide" is utilized to refer to a structured list of topics or questions that an interviewer plans to cover during qualitative interviews. This guide serves as a tool to facilitate the conversation, ensuring that the interviewer remains focused on the essential areas of inquiry while allowing the flexibility needed to explore deeper themes that may arise spontaneously during the discussion. An interview guide typically provides both consistency across different interviews and encourages a dynamic interaction between the interviewer and the participants, allowing for richer qualitative data collection.

The other terms, such as "questionnaire," "interview outline," and "discussion framework," might imply different contexts or methods. A questionnaire often refers to a structured set of closed-ended questions aimed at quantitative research rather than a conversational qualitative format. An interview outline might imply a less structured or more general approach, whereas a discussion framework could refer to broader guiding principles rather than specific questions. Therefore, "interview guide" is the most precise term for the list of topics or questions used in qualitative interviews, making it the correct answer.