Conducting an InterviewConducting an Interviewthe Purdue University Writing Labthe Purdue University Writing Lab

How to Conduct an InterviewHow to Conduct an Interview

► Making contact with your intervieweeMaking contact with your interviewee

► Preparing for the interviewPreparing for the interview Coming up with QuestionsComing up with Questions

► Meeting with your intervieweeMeeting with your interviewee

► Following up on your interviewFollowing up on your interview

Setting up the InterviewSetting up the Interview

► Contact the potential interviewee in advanceContact the potential interviewee in advance

► Be sure that you Be sure that you ask ask for the interview. This person is doing for the interview. This person is doing you a favoryou a favor

► Arrange a specific time and place, and let the interviewee Arrange a specific time and place, and let the interviewee know how much time it will takeknow how much time it will take

► Identify the topic that you will be discussing during the Identify the topic that you will be discussing during the interviewinterview

Preparing for the interviewPreparing for the interview

► Be sure to write out a list of questions in advanceBe sure to write out a list of questions in advance

► Find out whatever information you can about the person Find out whatever information you can about the person you’re interviewingyou’re interviewing

► Decide which questions are highest priority if time runs shortDecide which questions are highest priority if time runs short

► Decide what your goals are for the interviewDecide what your goals are for the interview

Coming up with QuestionsComing up with Questions

► Ask yourself: “What is it that I need to know?Ask yourself: “What is it that I need to know?

► Write down a list of things that you are hoping to find outWrite down a list of things that you are hoping to find out

► Write a list of questions that you think will lead to these Write a list of questions that you think will lead to these answersanswers

► Check the questions carefully to see if the wording could be Check the questions carefully to see if the wording could be offensive to your intervieweeoffensive to your interviewee

Meeting the IntervieweeMeeting the Interviewee

► Always bring a stiff-backed notebook and several trustworthy Always bring a stiff-backed notebook and several trustworthy writing instrumentswriting instruments

► If you wish to tape-record your interview, If you wish to tape-record your interview, alwaysalways ask before ask before doing sodoing so

► Keep notes on the interview, but make sure that you are still Keep notes on the interview, but make sure that you are still talking to the interviewee, not just scribblingtalking to the interviewee, not just scribbling

► Be sure that you come to the interview with a prepared list of Be sure that you come to the interview with a prepared list of questions (more than you think you’ll need!)questions (more than you think you’ll need!)

► Try to stick to the topic at hand, but be ready to be flexible if Try to stick to the topic at hand, but be ready to be flexible if your interviewee brings up unexpected but valuable your interviewee brings up unexpected but valuable information.information.

Online InterviewingOnline Interviewing

► If you need to interview via email, don’t forget to ask If you need to interview via email, don’t forget to ask permission for the interviewpermission for the interview

► Make sure that you establish the scope of the interview and Make sure that you establish the scope of the interview and the amount of time the interviewee is committing to. the amount of time the interviewee is committing to.

► Remember that the same rules of courtesy still applyRemember that the same rules of courtesy still apply

Following up the InterviewFollowing up the Interview

► Always be sure to thank your interviewee, orally and in writingAlways be sure to thank your interviewee, orally and in writing

► Once you have written up your results, let your interviewee Once you have written up your results, let your interviewee see the results, in order to confirm that you’ve represented see the results, in order to confirm that you’ve represented him/her accuratelyhim/her accurately

► Write up your results soon after the interview while they’re Write up your results soon after the interview while they’re fresh in your mindfresh in your mind

Conducting an InterviewConducting an Interview

► Remember, conducting a successful interview involves Remember, conducting a successful interview involves attention to each of the following steps:attention to each of the following steps: Making contactMaking contact Preparing for the interviewPreparing for the interview Meeting the intervieweeMeeting the interviewee Following up on the interviewFollowing up on the interview

Interview as a Method for Interview as a Method for

Qualitative ResearchQualitative ResearchPresentation byPresentation by

Dapzury Valenzuela & PallaviShrivastavaDapzury Valenzuela & PallaviShrivastava

DefinitionsDefinitions

► The qualitative research interview seeks to describe and the The qualitative research interview seeks to describe and the meanings of central themes in the life world of the subjects. meanings of central themes in the life world of the subjects. The main task in interviewing is to understand the meaning of The main task in interviewing is to understand the meaning of what the interviewees say. (Kvale,1996)what the interviewees say. (Kvale,1996)

► A qualitative research interview seeks to cover both a factual A qualitative research interview seeks to cover both a factual and a meaning level, though it is usually more difficult to and a meaning level, though it is usually more difficult to interview on a meaning level. (Kvale,1996)interview on a meaning level. (Kvale,1996)

► Interviews are particularly useful for getting the story behind Interviews are particularly useful for getting the story behind a participant’s experiences. The interviewer can pursue in-a participant’s experiences. The interviewer can pursue in-depth information around the topic. Interviews may be useful depth information around the topic. Interviews may be useful as follow-up to certain respondents to questionnaires, e.g., to as follow-up to certain respondents to questionnaires, e.g., to further investigate their responses. (McNamara,1999)further investigate their responses. (McNamara,1999)

Aspects of Qualitative Research Aspects of Qualitative Research Interviews. IInterviews. I

► Interviews are completed by the interviewer based on what Interviews are completed by the interviewer based on what the respondent says. the respondent says.

► Interviews are a far more personal form of research than Interviews are a far more personal form of research than questionnaires.questionnaires.

► In the personal interview, the interviewer works directly with In the personal interview, the interviewer works directly with the respondent.the respondent.

Aspects of Qualitative Research Aspects of Qualitative Research Interviews. IIInterviews. II

► Unlike with mail surveys, the interviewer has the opportunity Unlike with mail surveys, the interviewer has the opportunity to probe or ask follow up questions.to probe or ask follow up questions.

► Interviews are generally easier for respondent, especially if Interviews are generally easier for respondent, especially if what is sought is opinions or impressions.what is sought is opinions or impressions.

► Interviews are time consuming and they are resource Interviews are time consuming and they are resource intensive.intensive.

► The interviewer is considered a part of the measurement The interviewer is considered a part of the measurement instrument and interviewer has to well trained in how to instrument and interviewer has to well trained in how to respond to any contingency.respond to any contingency.

Types of Interviews ITypes of Interviews I

► Informal, conversational interview -no predetermined Informal, conversational interview -no predetermined questions are asked, in order to remain as open and questions are asked, in order to remain as open and adaptable as possible to the interviewee’s nature and adaptable as possible to the interviewee’s nature and priorities; during the interview the interviewer “goes with the priorities; during the interview the interviewer “goes with the flow” flow”

► General interview guide approach -the guide approach is General interview guide approach -the guide approach is intended to ensure that the same general areas of information intended to ensure that the same general areas of information are collected from each interviewee; this provides more focus are collected from each interviewee; this provides more focus than the conversational approach, but still allows a degree of than the conversational approach, but still allows a degree of freedom and adaptability in getting the information from the freedom and adaptability in getting the information from the interviewee.interviewee.

Types of Interviews IITypes of Interviews II

► Standardized, open-ended interview -the same open-ended Standardized, open-ended interview -the same open-ended questions are asked to all interviewees; this approach questions are asked to all interviewees; this approach facilitates faster interviews that can be more easily analyzed facilitates faster interviews that can be more easily analyzed and compared.and compared.

► Closed, fixed-response interview -where all interviewees are Closed, fixed-response interview -where all interviewees are asked the same questions and asked to choose answers from asked the same questions and asked to choose answers from among the same set of alternatives. This format is useful for among the same set of alternatives. This format is useful for those not practiced in interviewing.those not practiced in interviewing.

Telephone InterviewTelephone Interview

► Telephone interviews enable a researcher to gather Telephone interviews enable a researcher to gather information rapidly.information rapidly.

► Like personal interviews, they allow for some personal contact Like personal interviews, they allow for some personal contact between the interviewer and the respondent.between the interviewer and the respondent.

► Some people may not have telephones.Some people may not have telephones.

► People often dislike the intrusion of a call to their home.People often dislike the intrusion of a call to their home.

► Telephone interviews need to be relatively short or people Telephone interviews need to be relatively short or people feel imposed upon.feel imposed upon.

► Many people don’t have publicly listed telephone numbers.Many people don’t have publicly listed telephone numbers.

Training of the InterviewerTraining of the Interviewer

► Since the interviewer can control the quality of the result Since the interviewer can control the quality of the result his/her training becomes crucial.his/her training becomes crucial.

► It is important to organize in detail and rehearse the It is important to organize in detail and rehearse the interviewing process before beginning the formal study.interviewing process before beginning the formal study.

Points for Interviewer Points for Interviewer TrainingTraining

► Describe the entire study -interviewers need to know more Describe the entire study -interviewers need to know more than simply how to conduct the interview itself. They should than simply how to conduct the interview itself. They should have background of the study and why the study is important. have background of the study and why the study is important.

► Explain the sampling logic & process -naïve interviewer may Explain the sampling logic & process -naïve interviewer may not understand why sampling is so important. They may not understand why sampling is so important. They may wonder why you go through all the difficulties of selecting the wonder why you go through all the difficulties of selecting the sample so carefully. sample so carefully.

Interviewer BiasInterviewer Bias

► Interviewer needs to know the many ways that they can Interviewer needs to know the many ways that they can inadvertently bias the results.inadvertently bias the results.

► Understand why it is important that they not bias the study.Understand why it is important that they not bias the study.

► By slanting the results they might jeopardize the results or By slanting the results they might jeopardize the results or purpose of the study.purpose of the study.

Preparation for InterviewPreparation for Interview

► Choose a setting with the least distraction.Choose a setting with the least distraction.

► Explain the purpose of the interview.Explain the purpose of the interview.

► Address terms of confidentiality.Address terms of confidentiality.

► Explain the format of the interview.Explain the format of the interview.

► Indicate how long the interview usually takes.Indicate how long the interview usually takes.

► Provide contact information of the interviewer.Provide contact information of the interviewer.

► Allow interviewee to clarify any doubts about the interview.Allow interviewee to clarify any doubts about the interview.

► Prepare a method for recording data, e.g., take notes.Prepare a method for recording data, e.g., take notes.

Qualification Criteria for the Qualification Criteria for the Interviewer IInterviewer I

► Knowledgeable -being familiar with the topic.Knowledgeable -being familiar with the topic.

► Structuring -outline the procedure of the interview.Structuring -outline the procedure of the interview.

► Clear -simple, easy and short questions which are spoken Clear -simple, easy and short questions which are spoken distinctly and understandably.distinctly and understandably.

► Gentle -being tolerant, sensitive and patient to provocative Gentle -being tolerant, sensitive and patient to provocative and and

► unconventional opinions.unconventional opinions.

Qualification Criteria for the Qualification Criteria for the Interviewer IIInterviewer II

► Steering -to control the course of the interview to avoid Steering -to control the course of the interview to avoid digressions from the topic.digressions from the topic.

► Critical -to test the reliability and validity of what the Critical -to test the reliability and validity of what the

► interviewee tells.interviewee tells.

► Remembering -retaining the subject information from the Remembering -retaining the subject information from the interviewee.interviewee.

► Interpreting -provide interpretation of what is said by the Interpreting -provide interpretation of what is said by the interviewee.interviewee.

Types of Topics in QuestionsTypes of Topics in Questions

► Behaviors -what a person has done or is doing.Behaviors -what a person has done or is doing.

► Opinions/values -what a person thinks about the topic.Opinions/values -what a person thinks about the topic.

► Feelings -what a person feels rather than what a person Feelings -what a person feels rather than what a person thinks.thinks.

► Knowledge -to get facts about the topic.Knowledge -to get facts about the topic.

► Sensory -what people have seen, touched, heard, tasted or Sensory -what people have seen, touched, heard, tasted or smelled.smelled.

► Background/demographics -standard background questions, Background/demographics -standard background questions, such such

► as age, education, etc.as age, education, etc.

Sequence of QuestionsSequence of Questions

► Get the respondents involved in the interview as soon as Get the respondents involved in the interview as soon as possible.possible.

► Before asking about controversial matters, first ask about Before asking about controversial matters, first ask about some facts.some facts.

► Intersperse fact-based questions throughout the interview.Intersperse fact-based questions throughout the interview.

► Ask questions about the present before questions about the Ask questions about the present before questions about the past past

► or future.or future.

► The last questions might be to allow respondents to provide The last questions might be to allow respondents to provide any other information they prefer to add and their any other information they prefer to add and their impressions of the interview.impressions of the interview.

Stages of Interview Stages of Interview InvestigationInvestigation

► Thematizing-the whyand whatof the investigation.Thematizing-the whyand whatof the investigation.

► Designing -plan the design of the study.Designing -plan the design of the study.

► Interviewing -conduct the interview based on a guide.Interviewing -conduct the interview based on a guide.

► Transcribing -prepare the interview material for analysis.Transcribing -prepare the interview material for analysis.

► Analyzing -decide on the purpose, the topic, the nature and Analyzing -decide on the purpose, the topic, the nature and

► methods of analysis that are appropriate.methods of analysis that are appropriate.

► Verifying -ascertain the validity of the interview findings.Verifying -ascertain the validity of the interview findings.

► Reporting -communicate findings of the study based on Reporting -communicate findings of the study based on

► scientific criteria.scientific criteria.

Procedure of the InterviewProcedure of the Interview

► Occasionally verify the tape recorder (if used)is working.Occasionally verify the tape recorder (if used)is working.

► Ask one question at a time.Ask one question at a time.

► Attempt to remain as neutral as possible.Attempt to remain as neutral as possible.

► Encourage responses.Encourage responses.

► Be careful about the appearance when note taking.Be careful about the appearance when note taking.

► Provide transition between major topics.Provide transition between major topics.

► Don’t lose control of the interview.Don’t lose control of the interview.

After the InterviewAfter the Interview

► Verify if the tape recorder, if used, worked throughout Verify if the tape recorder, if used, worked throughout

► the interview.the interview.

► Make any notes on your written notes.Make any notes on your written notes.

► Write down any observations made during the interview.Write down any observations made during the interview.

Convergent Interviewing as Convergent Interviewing as Action Research IAction Research I

► Each pair of interview, including the review session Each pair of interview, including the review session immediately following them, constitutes an action research immediately following them, constitutes an action research cycle. The review sessions interpret the data emerging from cycle. The review sessions interpret the data emerging from the interviews.the interviews.

► During the review session you also plan the questions which During the review session you also plan the questions which will give a better understanding of the situation.will give a better understanding of the situation.

► The process and the sampling are checked. They can be The process and the sampling are checked. They can be modified in the following attempt.modified in the following attempt.

► There are two types of overlap in the themes and two There are two types of overlap in the themes and two corresponding types of probes:corresponding types of probes:

► Agreements which were listed by seeking exceptionsAgreements which were listed by seeking exceptions

► Disagreements for which explanation are sought.Disagreements for which explanation are sought.

Convergent Interviewing as Convergent Interviewing as Action Research IIAction Research II

► You challenge the interpretations arising from early interviewsYou challenge the interpretations arising from early interviews

► Ask more specific questions, pursuing deeper understanding Ask more specific questions, pursuing deeper understanding as you follow up the explanations and disagreements.as you follow up the explanations and disagreements.

► By seeking exceptions, you allow disconfirmation of your data By seeking exceptions, you allow disconfirmation of your data and interpretations. The disagreements guide you into the and interpretations. The disagreements guide you into the pool of potentially available data.pool of potentially available data.

► Probes become more specific, each interview begins with a Probes become more specific, each interview begins with a very open-ended question.very open-ended question.

► Each informant is given a chance to contribute data Each informant is given a chance to contribute data uncontaminated by your interpretations.uncontaminated by your interpretations.