What is a typical disadvantage of interviews as an assessment method?

Interviews are characterized by their qualitative nature, where the emphasis is on understanding personal experiences, feelings, and perspectives. One typical disadvantage of using interviews as an assessment method is that responses often cannot be quantified easily. This qualitative data can make it difficult to generate statistical analyses or to compare responses systematically across different individuals.

Quantification requires numerical data, making it challenging to draw generalized conclusions or to establish trends based upon the responses gathered in interviews. This limitation can hinder the ability to present clear, definitive findings that can be easily interpreted or communicated in a broader context. As a result, while interviews provide rich and nuanced information, their inability to produce quantifiable data can be seen as a notable drawback in certain assessment situations.