Practicing Interviewing Skills

Question 1

Why are interviews used in qualitative research?

Answer 1

To explore lived experiences, perceptions, and opinions in-depth.

Question 2

What is the advantage of semi-structured interviews?

Answer 2

They provide flexibility while ensuring alignment with research goals.

Question 3

What are the key steps in conducting an interview?

Answer 3

Preparing questions, building rapport, using active listening, and probing for deeper responses.

Question 4

What is an example of a qualitative research question using interviews?

Answer 4

“How do undergraduate psychology students in Malta experience their course?”

Question 5

What sampling method was used in the example research study?

Answer 5

Stratified purposeful sampling of two students per academic year.

Question 6

What is an example of an open-ended interview question for students?

Answer 6

“What challenges have you encountered in this course?”

Question 7

Why is it important to prepare thoroughly before an interview?

Answer 7

To familiarize yourself with the topic and participants, and ensure well-structured but flexible questioning.

Question 8

How can an interviewer build rapport with participants?

Answer 8

By starting with small talk, using non-threatening questions, and showing empathy.

Question 9

Why is obtaining informed consent important in interviews?

Answer 9

To ensure ethical research practices and protect participants’ confidentiality.

Question 10

What are examples of open-ended questions?

Answer 10

“Can you tell me more about that?” or “How did that make you feel?”

Question 11

Why should leading or biased questions be avoided?

Answer 11

They can influence participants’ responses and compromise data integrity.

Question 12

What are key aspects of active listening in interviews?

Answer 12

Maintaining eye contact, nodding, using verbal affirmations, and paraphrasing responses.

Question 13

Why should an interviewer paraphrase responses occasionally?

Answer 13

To show understanding and confirm the accuracy of the participant’s statements.

Question 14

How should an interviewer adapt to the participant during an interview?

Answer 14

By being sensitive to their emotional state and offering breaks if needed.

Question 15

What are effective ways to document an interview?

Answer 15

Recording (with consent) or taking detailed notes, followed by reflective journaling.

Question 16

Why is staying neutral important during an interview?

Answer 16

To encourage openness and avoid influencing the participant’s responses.

Question 17

What is a good way to ask clarifying questions?

Answer 17

Using gentle prompts like, “Can you explain that a bit more?”

Question 18

Why is debriefing important after an interview?

Answer 18

To thank participants, explain next steps, and offer support if needed.

Question 19

Why should interviewers avoid interrupting participants?

Answer 19

To allow them to fully express their thoughts without pressure.

Question 20

What is the risk of rushing an interview?

Answer 20

It can prevent participants from fully reflecting and giving meaningful responses.

Question 21

Why should jargon be avoided in qualitative interviews?

Answer 21

To ensure clarity and avoid confusing participants.

Question 22

How can an interviewer avoid showing bias?

Answer 22

By not agreeing or disagreeing with responses and maintaining a neutral tone.

Question 23

Why should multi-part questions be avoided?

Answer 23

They can overwhelm participants; breaking them into simpler questions improves clarity.

Question 24

What is the danger of judging or criticizing participant responses?

Answer 24

It may make them hesitant to share openly.

Question 25

Why should interviewers avoid oversharing personal experiences?

Answer 25

To keep the focus on the participant and prevent influencing their responses.

Question 26

What is a drawback of excessive silence in an interview?

Answer 26

It may make the participant uncomfortable and disrupt the flow of conversation.

Question 27

Why should ethical concerns always be considered?

Answer 27

To ensure participants feel safe and are not pressured to discuss distressing topics.

Question 28

What is the risk of overpromising outcomes to participants?

Answer 28

It may create false expectations and compromise trust.

Question 29

Why is it important to use simple language during interviews?

Answer 29

To ensure participants understand questions without confusion.

Question 30

How can interviewers ensure credibility in their data collection?

Answer 30

By following ethical guidelines, using open-ended questions, and documenting responses accurately.