lecture 2- practical skills for effective research interviews

How do you plan an interview?

• use interview schedule (questions and probes) or topic guide (list of things to discuss) Prepared prior to data collection.

• Provides structure so richness of data is maximised

• Can be adapted during- flexible

• Should be used in background.

How do you develop an interview schedule?

• identify broad areas

• Break into a range of topic you want to cover

• Arrange into sequence

• Think about phrasing of questions for each

• Decide on prompts

• Trial

How should questions be asked?

• not delivered in same way as research questions

• Who, what, where, when, how and why

• Open questions- not too specific, comprehensible, not judging, not leading

What types of questions are there and when should they be used?

Use mix of types, sequenced on purpose.

• start with opening questions to settle and confirm consent.

• Use generative questions to invite stories, timelines, examples etc.

• Bring in directive questions sparingly to clarify, test interpretations, check specifics.

• Close with wrap up questions and any essential background details.

How do you establish depth and detail in interviews?

• explain what you’re interested in and why- make them feel comfortable about discussing in depth.

• Word questions so they suggest the desired level of thoughtfulness

• Follow up questions

• Come back to questions for clarification

• Ask for specifics early on

• Depth adds layers of meaning, and understanding. Get details by asking for examples and exploring them- adds clarity, evidence.

How do you establish vividness and nuance?

• ask for first hand descriptions of events- stories are vivid

• Design questions that elicit nuance and avoid over-simplification

• Use follow up questions to explore complexity, change and exceptions.

• Listen for signs of ambivalence- mixed feelings, uncertainty, contradictions.

What interpersonal skills are needed?

• social skills- empathy, warmth, attentiveness, consideration

• Sensitivity toward ppt- subtle cues from interviewee include

  • Losing interest, reserved, distracted, uncertainty, discomfort, body language

• Rapport established during first few secs but should continue to build throughout.

• Convey friendly professional tone; be sincere, confident, knowledgeable, well prepared for interactions; figure out someone’s status and set your own to complement theirs.

What are the verbal and non-verbal signs of active listening skills?

• non-verbal

  • Smile, eye contact, posture, distraction

• Verbal

  • Positive reinforcement, remembering, questioning, clarification

How do you manage distress?

• let interviewee decide

  • Pause interview, take short break, move to different question, end interview if necessary

  • If continuing, think about next question

    • Don’t end contact with ppt while distressed

    • Offer follow up call if appropriate