Interviews Interview Sample Almost always qualitative research Pick

Interviews

Interview Sample • Almost always qualitative research • Pick respondents based on the needs of the research • Particularly at first, try to talk with people who are likely to be comfortable responding

Interview Setting • • Privacy Convenience Go to the interviewee Make the interviewee comfortable before beginning questions • Look professional

Interview Questions • • • What do you need to know? Avoid leading questions Structured/Semi-Structured/Unstructured An interview protocol is a must Sometimes important questions need to be buried in less important questions • Be sure you ask everything you need but nothing more (it is hard to go back) • Beware the grand tour question • Design follow-up questions

Conducting the Interview • • Designed opening and closing Minimize frowning or negative reactions Body language is everything Be careful not to ask follow-up questions if you already have the information • Review to adjust for next time • Practice

Seidman—Interviewing as Qualitative Research (2006) • Listen more, talk less • Ask questions when you don’t understand • Use your intuition to know when to ask to hear more about a subject • Cautiously explore, don’t probe • Ask real questions • Avoid leading questions • Ask open-ended questions • Follow up, but don’t interrupt • Tolerate silence

Interview Reflections • • • Voice tone Eye contact Nonverbal communication (Body language) Interest level Flow of the interview • Did the opening and closing work? • Rapport (how was it established)

Exercise • The topic you are studying is bicycling in Portland. • Design a series of questions for an interview that will last around 5– 10 minutes—don’t forget to design an opening and closing. • Find a partner. Interview your partner using the questions. Take notes during the interview. • After the interview have your partner respond to the interview reflections (previous slide). Take notes on the reflections. • Switch places.

Recording Interview Data • Audio or video recording – Intimidation; transcripts • Writing responses – Accuracy; directing respondent

Transcription • You must do this • Software will make you project doable – Using digital files – Typing • Useful hardware – Recorder – Footpedals

Software • Audio Control – Quicktime (older Pro version) – Audacity – Free software • Commercial – f 5 – Inq. Scribe – Dragon. Dictate