Practicing Interviewing Skills Flashcards
Why are interviews used in qualitative research?
To explore lived experiences, perceptions, and opinions in-depth.
What is the advantage of semi-structured interviews?
They provide flexibility while ensuring alignment with research goals.
What are the key steps in conducting an interview?
Preparing questions, building rapport, using active listening, and probing for deeper responses.
What is an example of a qualitative research question using interviews?
“How do undergraduate psychology students in Malta experience their course?”
What sampling method was used in the example research study?
Stratified purposeful sampling of two students per academic year.
What is an example of an open-ended interview question for students?
“What challenges have you encountered in this course?”
Why is it important to prepare thoroughly before an interview?
To familiarize yourself with the topic and participants, and ensure well-structured but flexible questioning.
How can an interviewer build rapport with participants?
By starting with small talk, using non-threatening questions, and showing empathy.
Why is obtaining informed consent important in interviews?
To ensure ethical research practices and protect participants’ confidentiality.
What are examples of open-ended questions?
“Can you tell me more about that?” or “How did that make you feel?”
Why should leading or biased questions be avoided?
They can influence participants’ responses and compromise data integrity.
What are key aspects of active listening in interviews?
Maintaining eye contact, nodding, using verbal affirmations, and paraphrasing responses.
Why should an interviewer paraphrase responses occasionally?
To show understanding and confirm the accuracy of the participant’s statements.
How should an interviewer adapt to the participant during an interview?
By being sensitive to their emotional state and offering breaks if needed.
What are effective ways to document an interview?
Recording (with consent) or taking detailed notes, followed by reflective journaling.
Why is staying neutral important during an interview?
To encourage openness and avoid influencing the participant’s responses.
What is a good way to ask clarifying questions?
Using gentle prompts like, “Can you explain that a bit more?”
Why is debriefing important after an interview?
To thank participants, explain next steps, and offer support if needed.
Why should interviewers avoid interrupting participants?
To allow them to fully express their thoughts without pressure.
What is the risk of rushing an interview?
It can prevent participants from fully reflecting and giving meaningful responses.
Why should jargon be avoided in qualitative interviews?
To ensure clarity and avoid confusing participants.
How can an interviewer avoid showing bias?
By not agreeing or disagreeing with responses and maintaining a neutral tone.
Why should multi-part questions be avoided?
They can overwhelm participants; breaking them into simpler questions improves clarity.
What is the danger of judging or criticizing participant responses?
It may make them hesitant to share openly.
Why should interviewers avoid oversharing personal experiences?
To keep the focus on the participant and prevent influencing their responses.
What is a drawback of excessive silence in an interview?
It may make the participant uncomfortable and disrupt the flow of conversation.
Why should ethical concerns always be considered?
To ensure participants feel safe and are not pressured to discuss distressing topics.
What is the risk of overpromising outcomes to participants?
It may create false expectations and compromise trust.
Why is it important to use simple language during interviews?
To ensure participants understand questions without confusion.
How can interviewers ensure credibility in their data collection?
By following ethical guidelines, using open-ended questions, and documenting responses accurately.
