Data Collection – lecture 4: Interviewing

[Gill Clarke]

Things to consider before an interview

 From me:

  • What am I looking for? What do I want to know?
  • Who are my interviewees? (Characteristics, specific needs etc)
  • Depending on who they are: language, level, time etc.
  • Which ethical issues need to be considered?
  • Impact of the issues on ourselves (Am I prepared?)

 From group:

  • Environment suitability
  • Physical presentation of the interviewer (dress code, neutral dress, body language)
  • Time
  • The questions themselves (question framing)
  • How will I record? (ask permission first)
  • Self-awareness (not bias, prompts: how much? when?)
  • Personal security (eg. interviewing offenders)
  • Confidentiality

From GC:

  • Pilot interview
  • Locating respondents
  • Gaining access/permission
  • Confidentiality
  • Type of interview
  • Number of
  • Timing of
  • Language level
  • What account to give to the self/research
  • Recording

Things to consider during the interview

From me:

  • Is the interviewee engaged/interested?
  • Are my questions/approach causing any discomfort/harm?
  • Am I listening/paying attention properly?
  • May I introduce new questions?
  • May I carry on as planned or change direction, stop?
  • Am I keeping the focus?

From group:

  • How much you prompt
  • How to deal with silence
  • Empowering enterviewee
  • How do you respond to their responses
  • Maintaining control (back to the point)

From GC:

  • Opening statements
  • Rapport
  • Probing – how, when and if
  • Time for expanding issues

Things to consider afetr the interview

From me:

  • Have I listened carefully?
  • Have I recorded everything that is important?
  • Have I taken relevant notes?
  • What haven’t went well?

From group:

  • Transcribing
  • Debreafing

From GC:

  • Follow up interviews
  • More details/clarification
  • Transcribing
  • Involvement of the interviewee

Types of interview

(See handout)