CABS Research Assistance Training Notes

CABS Research Assistance Training Package - Module 3

Topic: Interviews - Conducting the Interview

Lecture Outline

  • The Interview Process

  • Interview Flow

  • Conducting the Interview

  • Tricky Issues During Interviews (and How to Solve Them)

Activity 1: Let’s Interview!!!

  • Problem Scenario:

    • Context: Working in an adult education center.

    • Task: Consolidate a list of study strategies for adult learners.

    • Goal: Interview adult learners to discover strategies used during assignments.

    • Simulation Setup:

    • Class will role-play as interviewers, interviewees, and observers.

  • Simulation Participation:

    • Need 5 pairs of volunteers for interviewers and interviewees.

    • Remaining students will observe.

    • Each interviewer will conduct a brief interview (3-4 minutes each part).

Interviewer Guidelines

  • Use Sample Interview Guide (found in Lecture 3 Activity 1 Document).

  • Ensure webcam is turned on while conducting the interview.

Interviewee Guidelines

  • Respond naturally to questions asked—no acting or pretending.

  • Ensure webcam is turned on to facilitate interaction.

Observer Guidelines

  • Observe interactions between interviewer and interviewee.

  • Notes should include:

    • Interviewee's responses and interaction style.

    • Interviewer's question-asking techniques and overall effectiveness.

    • Feedback on what worked well and areas needing improvement.

Reflection on Activity 1

  • For Interviewers:

    • Describe one difficulty experienced while conducting the interview.

Reflection on Activity 2

  • For Interviewees:

    • Discuss one challenge faced when answering questions.

  • For Observers:

    • Share observations about the interaction between the interviewer and interviewee.

THE INTERVIEW PROCESS

Getting Ready For Interview

  • Day Before Interview:

    • Check all equipment: charge, extra batteries, back-up audio recording devices.

    • Ensure necessary documentation (extra paper forms, interview guide).

  • Right Before Interview:

    • Nip distractions:

    • Ensure interviewers and interviewees are well-fed and hydrated.

    • Go to the washroom.

    • Silence mobile phones—no interruptions.

    • Arrange venue seating appropriately.

    • Remember to audio record before starting.

  • Right Before Interview (Online):

    • Ensure a quiet environment and functional equipment (camera/microphone).

    • Begin recording before the interview starts.

INTERVIEW FLOW

Importance of Interview Flow

  • Most interviews follow a pattern. Understanding this aids in preparation and planning.

Interview Flow Stages

  • Pre-Interview Preparation:

    • Setting up equipment and arranging seating in face-to-face settings.

    • Making small talk to ease into the conversation.

  • Restating Objectives:

    • Begin by thanking the participant and clarifying the interview's purpose.

    • Engage participants early; allow time for initial questions.

  • Kick-Off Question:

    • Start with a broad, open question to give context (e.g., “Can you introduce yourself?”).

    • Avoid starting with specific or detailed questions.

  • Awkward Stage:

    • Acknowledge and accept the initial awkwardness; it is normal.

    • Ease participant resistance by asking simple questions that warm them up.

  • Tipping Point:

    • Define the moment when participants shift from giving short answers to storytelling.

    • Important to build rapport before this occurs, let it happen naturally.

  • Reflection & Projection:

    • Engage deeply in conversation; explore higher-level ideas and future goals as rapport strengthens.

  • Soft Close:

    • Wind down the interview with cues like thanking the participant, or gathering materials.

    • Be attentive to any last-minute crucial information that might arise just before closing.

Learning Check

  • Reflect on difficulties faced during interviews based on roles: interviewer, interviewee, observer. Identify smoother parts of the interaction and analyze why.

CONDUCTING THE INTERVIEW

Useful Techniques for Conducting Interviews

  • Building Rapport:

    • Recognize interviews are unfamiliar and may feel awkward to participants.

    • Use social norms to frame the interview and make it seem familiar.

    • Use selective self-disclosure to stimulate openness.

Active Listening Techniques

  • Active Listening Elements:

    • Go beyond passive listening; engage by asking questions and observing body language.

  • Affirmation:

    • Build rapport with empathetic body posture, voice tone, and affirming silence.

  • Summarizing & Paraphrasing:

    • Offer paraphrased statements to check understanding and clarify points discussed.

Managing Interview Dynamics

  • Talk Less & Embrace Silence:

    • Interviewers should minimize their speaking to encourage more participant discourse.

    • Use purposeful silence; it often prompts participants to elaborate.

  • Probing Techniques:

    • Utilize probing questions following participant responses to elicit deeper insights.

    • Reframe questions into hypotheticals to draw out more information.

Managing the Flow of Interviews

  • Interviewers should be flexible; conversations may not follow scripts rigidly.

  • Jot down notes to return to important threads after the participant's response.

  • Prioritize based on initial research goals—be adaptable based on how the conversation unfolds.

TRICKY ISSUES DURING INTERVIEWS AND SOLUTIONS

Common Issues

  • Reticent or Awkward Interviewees:

    • Patience is crucial; accept the awkward environment and time will often warm them up.

    • Switch lead interviewer if rapport is lacking.

    • Explore discomfort openly as a last resort.

  • Off-Topic Discussions:

    • Gently redirect the interviewee to the topic when they veer off.

  • Logistical Challenges:

    • If equipment fails, stop and attempt to resolve the issue.

    • As a last resort, rely on note-taking but strive for better preparation beforehand to mitigate risk.

PRACTICE ACTIVITIES AND REFLECTIONS

Practice Activity 1

  • Analyze several interview videos for best practices and improvement areas based on observed interactions.

Practice Activity 2 (Optional)

  • Re-interview session using earlier learnings; switch roles among participants to build varied experience.

Reflections on Activities

  • Interviewers should evaluate their improvements, responses to questions, and the overall interaction quality from observers' perspectives.

Q&A Session

  • Encouragement of open dialogue to address lingering questions or concerns regarding interview techniques and processes.