What makes a “good” research interview?
- Make contact with the person you would like to interview early in the research process. Tell them:
- Who you are.
- Why are would like to interview them.
- How long the interview is likely to take.
- What you will do with the information they give you.
- Before the interview:
- Think carefully about what you want to find out.
- Write down the questions you want to ask in the order you want to ask them.
- During the interview:
- Introduce yourself to the participant, state your goals, ask for permission to record the interview, and offer to answer any questions
- Record the interview - double check that you have pressed record!
- Listen carefully to the answers given.
- Use follow up questions to explore answers in more detail. For example:
- You mentioned ….. tell me more about that.
- You talked about …… walk me through what happened.
- You said that…. Could you tell me why this is important?
- Remember that your interviewee might have different opinions to you - this is ok!
- After the interview:
- Compile your notes straight away.
- Contact the interview to thank you for their time.