In this method the interviewer personally meets the informants and asks necessary questions to them regarding the subject of enquiry. Usually a set of questions or a questionnaire is carried by him  and questions are also asked according to that. The interviewer efficiently collect the data from the informants by cross examining them.The interviewer must be very efficient and tactful to get the accurate and relevant data from the informants.

Advantages:

1. In this method information can be gathered from illiterate people too.
2. There is no chance of non-response as the interviewer personally collects data.
3. The collected data is very reliable since the interviewer tactfully collects the data by cross examining the responders.

Disadvantages:

1. There is a chance of interviewers bias.
2. The informants may not answer some personal questions.
3. It is a time-consuming process.
4. Money and manpower requirements are very high.