Interview Practicum: Tips and Suggestions

Be Interested, Not Interesting: Be genuinely curious about the interviewee's views and experiences.
- Engaging a person requires a clear and simple topic introduction.
- Disclose hypotheses later in the conversation for better engagement.
Start with Basic Questions:
- Begin with WHAT questions to ease into the conversation using personal experiences.
- Gradually lead towards HOW and WHY questions for depth.
Maintain Flow: Avoid abrupt transitions during the conversation; aim for smooth elaborations based on responses.
Limit Topics: Focus on fewer main topics to ensure thorough exploration.
- Always consider asking about alternative hypotheses or explanations from the interviewee.
Resources: Utilize textbooks like Neuman and Robson for further guidance.

Focus on Individual Beliefs: Ask interviewees about their personal beliefs rather than general opinions about others.
- Ensure questions reflect their personal insight rather than expert analysis.
Prioritize Big Questions: Start with significant inquiries, e.g.,
- “Why did you intend to vote?” followed by
- “Would you vote more if your polling location was closer?”
Avoid Overgeneralization:
- Understand that a small number of interviews may not represent larger groups effectively.
- Prefer specific control groups (e.g., three young individuals vs. diverse groups) to ensure the validity of comparisons.

Falsifiability of Hypothesis: Ensure that your hypothesis can be challenged and adjusted based on interview findings.
Dynamic Adjustments: Be open to modifying your hypothesis as responses dictate; this may lead to valuable insights even if it diverges from original plans.

Flexibility:
- Adapt during the interview rather than strictly adhering to a scripted format.
- Avoid questions that simply ask for self-rankings without follow-up inquiries.
Exploring Similarities and Differences:
- When there are apparent differences, investigate for similarities, and vice versa.
Seek Deeper Understanding: Focus on the How and Why for more impactful insights.
- Example of inquiry: “What influences your thoughts on whether Canada is a meritocracy?”
Encourage Reflection: Allow interview subjects to reconsider their initial responses and develop nuanced viewpoints.

Skill Development:
- Practice various interviewing techniques and get constructive feedback.
Question Sequencing:
- Evaluate the flow of questions to ensure comprehensive exploration of topics.
Learning from Peers:
- Observe examples of effective questioning and avoid common pitfalls.

Pair Interviews:
- Conduct 25-30 minute interviews where each participant gets an opportunity to interview and critique one another.
- Begin with positive feedback, followed by constructive criticism.
Revisit and Adjust:
- After interviews, reflect on the guide and make necessary changes based on experiences.

Hart's Assertions:
- Challenges common portrayals of youth as disengaged; focus on interviews to illustrate their community engagement.
- Illustrates diversity and belonging as key themes for empowering youth.
Using Quotations in Research:
- Hart employs brief quotations to support larger points, often drawing comparisons to other comments.
Rogers on Identity:
- Explains how qualitative research can unravel the influence of identity on attitudes and behaviors.
- Explore whether identities serve as variables or constants affecting perspectives.

Identity Connection:
- Investigate whether individuals feel a strong connection to their identity group.
- Responses can illustrate how shared experiences influence personal perspectives (e.g., business owners considering tax implications).
Judgment Based on Group Treatment:
- Analyze whether people's views are shaped by the treatment of their identity group within society, affecting their sense of collective responsibility.