Which data collection method involves in-depth interviews with individuals who have specialized knowledge about the community?

• A. Focus groups
• B. Key informant interviews
• C. Case studies
• D. Ethnography

Answer: (B)

Tapping into in-depth interviews with individuals who have specialized knowledge about the community yields rich, insider insights about resources, networks, history, and current needs. These key informants—such as long-time residents, community leaders, service providers, or experts—can describe how the community actually functions, where gaps exist, and how power and connections shape outcomes. The interview style is typically semi-structured, allowing detailed probing so you can gather nuanced context, concrete examples, and practical implications that broader surveys might miss.

In contrast, focus groups bring people together to discuss topics, which can surface norms and shared views but often smooth over individual nuances and can be influenced by group dynamics. A case study centers on an in-depth examination of a specific unit or example (like a school or program) and may use multiple data sources, not necessarily focusing on specialized community knowledge as the primary data source. Ethnography involves extended field immersion and observation to understand culture and everyday life, not solely interviews with knowledgeable insiders.

So, for obtaining deep, expert perspectives about the community from individuals who know its workings, key informant interviews are the most fitting method.