Week 6 - Interviews Flashcards
Standardized Interviews
Definition: A structured method of interviewing with predetermined questions.
Purpose: Collect standardized information from large groups.
Standardized Interviews (Approach)
Positivist Approach: Aims to minimize bias by keeping the format consistent.
Model: Stimulus-response, leading to consistent answers
Standardized Interviews (Question Type)
Question Type: Closed-ended questions.
Characteristics: Mutually exclusive and exhaustive.
Limitations of Standardized Interviews
Provides a rough sketch of true situations.
Assumes uniform understanding across different social contexts.
Respondents may have more complex opinions than options allow.
Interviewer may differ in tone or body language.
May reflect Western individualistic assumptions.
Critiques of Standardized Interviews
Feminist Perspective: Distance and neutrality hinder understanding of women’s experiences.
Indigenous Perspective: Overlooks indigenous values like storytelling.
In-Depth Interviews
Participants explain experiences and feelings in their own terms.
Flexibility to adjust or create new questions.
In-Depth Interviews (Benefits)
Detailed insights can emerge not possible in structured interviews.
Prioritizes participants’ perspectives.
Types of Interviews
Semi-Structured: Open-ended questions with probes.
Unstructured: Participant guides the conversation.
Informal/Spontaneous: Occurs in fieldwork or unexpected situations.
Interview Approaches
Active Listening: Listen carefully and follow up on key points.
Organized Listening: Identify new concepts or ideas in responses.
Active Interview
Generating data through meaningful interactions.
Identifying Participants
Aim for deep insights from a small group.
Choose participants with valuable insights.
Consider demographics, experiences, and perspectives.
Recruitment Strategies
Snowball Sampling: Initial participants recommend others.
Organizational Contacts: Reach out to relevant organizations.
Direct Outreach: Use advertising, social media, personal connections.
Recruitment Challenges
Ensure participants understand voluntary nature.
Some groups may be more difficult to reach.
Interview Guide Structure
Key themes related to the research question
Open-ended questions that encourage detailed responses.
Probes: Follow-ups that explore topics further.
Logical flow of questions; start with easier ones.
Question Types
Experiences or behaviors
Opinions or values
Feelings
Factual knowledge
Observations
Personal background
Interview Tips
Use a conversational tone.
Ask “how” questions.
Avoid leading, loaded, and double-barreled questions.
Use open-ended questions.
Preparation for Interviews
Dress appropriately and be on time.
Know the location and have necessary materials.
Familiarize yourself with equipment.
Use small talk to ease participants.
Use positive body language and clarify unfamiliar terms.
Field Notes
Write immediately after the interview.
Document thoughts on the process and significant details.
Transcription
Include relevant parts or all content.
Capture pauses, laughter, pitch, and volume changes.
Add context for participant responses.
Expect 1 hour of interview = 4-7 hours of transcribing.
Email Interviewing
Series of back-and-forth exchanges.
Cost-effective and no transcription needed.
Participants can edit responses.
Suitable for busy or geographically dispersed individuals.
Varying response times and potential lack of detail.
Absence of non-verbal cues.
Video Interviews
Consider participants’ off-screen environments.
Limited ability to read body language.
Photo Elicitation
Participants discuss photos they take or are shown.
Elicits personal narratives and insights.
Researcher-taken photos: deductive, theory-driven.
Participant-taken photos: inductive, more meaningful.
Conceptualizing Interviews
Topic - Understand the lived world of the participant.
Meaning
* Describe/understand central themes
* Interpret what is said
Description
* Obtain & capture accurate description
Specificity
* Descriptions specific situations/behaviours
7 stages of interview research
Thematizing - What are you researching? Why are you doing the research?
Designing - How many interviews will be conducted? Decide between notes or recording.
Interviewing - Create a comfortable environment for participants.
Transcribing - Not just clerical; also interpretive.
Analyzing - Interpret findings to find meaning.
Verifying - Provide evidence for interpretations.
Reporting - Create a secure setting for sharing findings.
Conceptualizing Interviews
Interviewing is a craft
Interviewer choices impact findings and interpretations
Maintain an open and flexible mindset.
Be aware that participants may change
Things to Avoid in Interviews - Question Types to Avoid
Double-barreled questions.
Leading or loaded questions.
Dichotomous questions (especially yes/no).
Value-laden questions.
Things to Avoid in Interviews - Behavioral Issues
Elicit emotional responses.
Use ridicule or intimidation.
Overpower or interrupt the participant.
Be judgmental.
Conducting Interviews - Initial Steps
Informed Consent: Begin by obtaining informed consent.
Build Rapport: Establish a connection with the participant.
Conducting Interviews - Questioning
First Questions: Choose the first questions carefully.
Active Listening: Listen actively and with intent, paying attention to verbal and non-verbal cues.
Conducting Interviews - Sensitivity
Cultural Sensitivity: Be sensitive to language, culture, and educational differences.
Note-taking: Take notes, even if you are recording the interview.
Closing the Interview
Positive Closure: Close on a positive note.
Thank the Participant: Express gratitude again.
Explain Next Steps: Clarify what you’ll do with the responses.
Initial Thoughts: Write down initial thoughts and feelings after the interview.
Purpose of Transcription
Interview Process: Transcribing is part of the interview process.
Accuracy of Quotes: Ensures accuracy of quotes, essential for write-up.
Honor Participants: Honors the voices of participants.
In-Depth Analysis: Enables systematic and in-depth analysis of data.
Credibility and Trustworthiness: Increases the study’s credibility and trustworthiness.
